Employee rights while pregnant?

[theaveragebear1983]

Hi all, just wanted some advice, I've looked on direct gov etc but I can't find the answer so I thought I'd try here. Sorry for the long post....
If my employer changes my terms of my contract because I'm pregnant, do they have to give me notice in writing? I work as a teacher in a men's prison and I am 11 weeks pregnant. I've had 2 weeks off with hyperemesis and when I came back last week the manager told me that I had been timetabled out of the classroom and would be given 'office work' to do. I have also been told that for a six week period I will be teaching 2 sessions a week (7 hours) at a different establishment. I did welcome this as I felt that they had done this for my best interests. However, despite saying this, last week they then used me as a supply teacher covering classes for a tutor who was off sick, and in one instance covering my own class that they had timetabled me out of and then couldn't cover. This meant that I had approx 10 mins notice that I was teaching rather than being able to prepare properly.
So my question is: do they have to notify me what they are changing my role to? Ie. If they are giving me 'office work' to do, should I have received written notice of this, and perhaps a job description so that I know my role? Similarly, if they are changing me from being a timetabled tutor in a specific class to a cover teacher, should they inform me of this in writing? This is not the same role as I am currently employed in so should I be informed of any changes?
There doesn't seem to be any info on this online, and whilst I am grateful that they are changing things,i don't feel completely happy with the changes especially so early on.

If a risk assessment says your normal work is not suitable then they can give you other work to do but they can't then get you do the the work they said was unsuitable. Have you had a risk assessment yet?

Yes I have had a risk assessment but at that point I was ok, then the Morning sickness struck and I got signed off for 2 weeks. On my return they said they'd made these changes. I'm not specifically averse to the changes ( if they want to pay me a teachers salary to do a secretary's job for 5 months then that's ok with me) but I'm sure they must need to notify me and make ammendments to my contract?

I'm not sure they need to amend your contract. I think though you should have another risk assessment since your circumstances changed where they can set out exactly why they don't think you should do certain things. It will open up a dialogue where you can both share your views.

Hiya yes they def should have notified you in writing and should have consulted with you prior to the changes taking place so that you can agree them or raise any queries. Even if these changes are temporary whilst you are pregnant they should at least write to you to confirm what the changes are and for how long as his is a change to your original terms and conditions of your contract. I work in HR and any changes to work pattern etc regardless of period of time need to be notified to employees in writing and ask them to sign their consent even if it's a result of your pregnancy. If it's ameneded duties due to a risk assessment you could argue that this could be a verbal agreement but sounds like they have changed the role a bit so would expect something in writing at least even if it's not a new contract.

I would def query and ask for writen confirmation of the changes and how long they are for if for nothing else to protect yourself so they can't turn round and say well you were meant to be doing something when you weren't.
Hope that helps

Not sure if this is helpful but if you belong to a union they will def be able to advise you on stuff like this. Good luck.

Pregnant or not I believe any changes to your contract have to be in writing and agreed prior to the being put in place. If your timetable and duties are in your contract specifically then you should look into it more. A lot of contracts, and everyone I have had says you will adapt or change your duties etc to suit business needs, which always feels like a massive get out clause for everything.

Contact your Union rep if you have one, if not try ACAS. They'll be able to give you the correct information.