Job Question: Can they do this?

[1Catherine1]

I joined part of a ongoing study thing at the end of last academic year (teacher) and now we've come back at the start of this year and I've told my employer and work colleagues that I'm pregnant. They are now talking about taking me off it.

Now in all honesty I'm not overly keen on doing it anyway, it's a little dull but I was interested in the continuing professional development it offers. I'm currently a little irritated by being taken off it (or suggestions that I should be taken off it) because I'm pregnant since in actual fact it only means I'm going to miss one out of the eight yearly meetings. Although, some of the meeting dates are up for discussion and one that is being debated is close to my next scan date and if they change it to my scan date it means I have to miss two meetings.

Does anyone know if they can actually do this? It has been put to the people running the study to decide but it was put to them in such a way that implies I'm ok with being taken off it. I'm not, I really don't think its fair.

This sounds a bit off but I would check with your union.

It does sound discriminatory. I would contact the people running the study, ccing whoever at your end, stressing a) how much you would like to continue to be involved in the programme b)that you would only miss 1 meeting, so it's not as if you would risk throwing the results of the study (besides no-one can guarantee being at all meetings; people get sick, have emergencies, diary clashes etc and c) that you can't do x date (no need to mention that it is your scan), but are happy for any other day. Although, I think it unlikely that they would move your scan date, at least not a 20 week-type scan.

They can't stunt or stop your professional development (i.e. opportunities for promotion etc) because you are pregnant - it's discriminatory. If not doing this study means your professional development is inhibited, they are essentially taking an opportunity away from you.

Can you not change your scan dates? My hospital are quite understanding as long as you do it in good time, and have a good reason. I was given a date for my 20-week scan but DP on holiday, so they moved it. It's possible!

I would go to your manager (or higher, if that's what it takes) and tell them you are NOT happy with being taken off the project, and that you are happy to try to work with their dates. Show muchos enthusiasm.