Witness at Employment tribunal while on maternity leave

[Velodromedary]

I am due to be one of several witnesses on behalf of a public sector body at an ET, but the hearing is currently scheduled for a few days after my due date. It sounds like they would postpone it for 6-8 months to allow me to attend, but can I made to? It could well be hormones but I'm feeling really stressed and upset about the possibility of this hanging over me while I'm on maternity leave (for 12m). I know many people are back at work before 6m and I should just step up but judging by last time I'll be in no fit state emotionally to perform well or be cross examined by then.

Yes, they can summons you to appear, and failure to adhere to this means you would face serious consequences. It seems unlikely that it will be adjourned for 6-8 months though!. Try not to worry, appearing as a witness is stressful but just listen carefully to the question being asked and answer truthfully, that's all the Tribunal will want you to do! The Tribunal may be able to put special measures in place if you are really nervous (like going to see the Court room first, or taking regular breaks to BF baby).

Yes I'm afraid they can. I had this when i was on mat leave with DC1. I asked to br called first in the am session and again in the PM session so that I would only have to leave my baby for an hour at a time (BF), rather than hanging about and they were happy with this. It wasn't so bad and I was glad to help as the person who raised the grievance had been treated abysmally.