How to tell tyrant boss I'm pregnant

[WaitingToFeelSomeWiggles]

Hi, I originally posted this in another thread but was advised I might also get some advice on here so I'm re - posting.

So, a bit of background info to start off, I have an almost 2yo son and work full time. I've been in my job for around 7 months. It's a tiny business, there are 3 of us who work there, 1 of them being the MD.
As the owner of a small but very successful business he doesn't seem to think normal rules apply to him. Although he treats us really well in terms of pay/bonus etc, he has mentioned before that under no circumstances would he pay maternity pay/sick pay (I had to discharge myself from hospital and return to work 2 days after having my appendix out because he wouldn't pay me).
I understand there are laws in place and he doesn't really have a choice in the matter, but I'm worried he will try other things to get out of it (like making me redundant/sacking me).
I fully intend to return to work after my maternity leave.
I've not had my first scan yet, so am holding off telling anyone until then, but I'd be very grateful for any advice so I can be prepared for when the time comes.
Thanks in advance.

Well, he will have to pay you smp. It's worth reminding him, as an astonishing number of people don't know this, that smp is in fact paid by the government so he can claim it back. However, he onviously doesn't have to pay you anything over that.

Do a quick google and have the links to hand to show him (as a small business I believe he can even claim your smp in advance).

However, he may make it very difficult for you in terms of resenting your absence and making it hard to come back. You could try to come up with some ideas how he could manage your workload while you are gone. But iMe tyrant bosses aren't really interested. I'm sorry I can't be more help.

If he uses your pregnancy as reason to make you redundant or sack you that is sex discrimination. You would be able to make a claim and it would be up to him to prove that the dismissal was for a fair reason and not due to your pregnancy.

If the business qualifies for Small Employers' Relief he will be able to claim 103% of your SMP from the government. If it doesn't qualify for SER that falls to 92%.

I'd build up a diary of his comments so that, if he does try anything, you have some sort of evidence that he did discriminate against you. Inform him face to face that you are pregnant (when you are ready to) and then follow it up with an email giving relevant dates. "Further to our conversation, I would like to confirm that my baby is due on xx date and I will be taking maternity leave from xx date. I fully intend to return to the company and would be happy to assist you find a temporary replacement to cover my role while I am away on maternity leave." If he makes any derogatory remarks mention theses in the email. "It is unfortunate that you are unable to share my happiness about the baby. However, I can assure you that I remain to loyal to the company and I feel it is inappropriate for you to say xxxx."

If he is a real twat, then I'd put out feelers for a decent employment solicitor and, if there is a single incident or several small ones in which you feel you are being bullied because of your pregnancy, I'd send a letter to make sure that he knows that you know that he can't behave like that towards you.

Out of interest, what did you think would happen if you didn't return to hospital directly after having your appendix removed?