Bullying at work since returned from maternity leave

[Zelda100]

My boss has been bullying me and treating me very disrespectfully since I have returned to work after maternity leave (past 2 months)

He shouts at me regularly in front of people , some examples below

-for briefly checking my phone (when everyone does it)
-taking me out of meetings and conversations
-any minor mistakes he picks up on shouts
-if something goes wrong with the work he gets annoyed with me even if I am not at fault
-annoyed me with me if I talk to other people in the team about work
-ordering HR to check up on me that I am working, like I am at school !!

Essentially he wants me to leave and did the same thing with 3 other people who have all left. One reported him to the owner and nothing happened.

I am currently self certifying as I am scared of him and I want to leave

I would like some advice if possible. I will have a meeting with HR soon and I don’t trust them.

I am sorry to hear this Op. Are you in a Union?

Yes-if you’re not in a union at the moment join one. Keep a journal-log everything. If you need to voice or video record some of the interaction as evidence, do that. You have to ask yourself what is the agenda here?

No I am not unfortunately, would this help?

Of course. But it’s probably too late now as you need to be a member before any trouble starts. There are organisations that can advise if you think it’s maternity related - Pregnant And Screwed, for example

If you want to leave, focus on job hunting and not on pursuing this. You know the company is on his side and going down the legal route is immensely stressful, time-consuming, and expensive. And the most likely outcome, even if your case is successful, is a four-figure payout. It isn't worth it.

Thanks, yeah I think it’s the best thing to do, I just want to try and find a way to leave straight away on good terms and maybe get some of my salary, gardening leave

Going down the legal route is stressful, but it doesn't have to be expensive. There are no court fees for the Employment Tribunal and you can represent yourself or, if you have legal cover through your home insurance, they may be able to help. The issue is whether you have enough evidence to show maternity discrimination. If you have, compensation could be low five figures.

If you are currently self certifying I'd let a doctor write "work related stress" on a fit note.

They might then be prepared to talk about an exit strategy that doesn't involve being sued.

Serene fish is dead right - get out asap. Going down the ‘Union’ route isn’t great for your mental health. Something similar happened to me a while ago. I pursued it and really wish I hadn’t as my life became Hell for a year.