Grievances and pregnancy ?

[40Crazabet2000]

Hi ladies looking for some HR advice if poss as can’t go to anyone at work.
I manage a really large team for a big company up town. I am 2 days away from starting my maternity leave which I am taking as holiday for the first 8 weeks.
I’ve had a call from HR advising that a grievance has been submitted against me and they need to investigate further…
I asked the question around policy what with me going on maternity leave. HR couldn’t answer as not something they’ve come across before and said the investigation will still need to take place whether I’m there or not and if they conclude that the grievance is upheld then I’m at risk of losing my job.
as you can imagine this is extremely stressful and worrying at this point in my pregnancy. Not something I really need on my plate on top of everything else ….
can anyone advice on whether a grievance can be upheld during someone’s mat leave and whether I can submit a counter grievance for harassment while pregnant?
I really just wanted to go quietly without any issues but looks like that just isn’t an option.

Your maternity leave doesn't officially start for 8 weeks if you're using holiday so I would expect your employer to be legally allowed to contact you during that time. Regarding afterwards you need to contact ACAS (or your union if you have one).

I don't know much about these things but the timing seems highly suspicious.

Watch out, looks like someone may try to cook up story to push you out. Very odd timing, see what it's all about and contact citizens advice.

Being on maternity leave won’t make the grievance go away, it’ll still be answerable when you go back to work. Being pregnant doesn’t absolve you from grievances being raised.

I agree that the timing is somewhat suspicious!! Make sure you are informed of all the details of what the grievance is and ask what their supporting evidence for the grievance is. You may also want to consider whether you have any evidence to counter the grievance.
At the end of the day they must produce reason and proof and not just hearsay. I do think they have timed it very badly though!!

Firstly don’t worry or stress, your health and baby are top priority. Wait to see what the “grievance” is but it’s definitely suspicious. This is clear a tactic to push you out, get an independent legal advice and be ready to sue the company into oblivion! Don’t speak to HR they are not on your side remember that, they work in the interest of the company only. Sorry you’re going through this. Is it possible to start your maternity leave early and not use the annual leave yet?

They can investigate a grievance at any time, yes. You can’t claim harassment for investigating a grievance.

Do you know what the alleged grievance is about?

really just wanted to go quietly without any issues but looks like that just isn’t an option

Were you intending to leave? Or does this refer to going on maternity?

Are you in the UK? Can you change your plans and go on mat leave now rather than into annual leave - that way firstly if they do dismiss you they'd have to pay all your outstanding holiday pay, and secondly as PP has said they can still very much contact you and have expectations you'll take part in this grievance procedure if you're on holiday, less so if you're on maternity leave. If you get fired while on mat leave without being given the opportunity to be part of the discussion then you could probably claim some kind of pregnancy discrimination (ie for not being given a chance to defend yourself owing to your leave)

Either way I'd try and get in contact with pregnant then screwed who will be able to give you some advice. It's hard without knowing what the grievance is, but I'm curious how you said that you wanted to 'go quietly' suggests you know what it relates to already?

@40Crazabet2000 how are you? How are you getting on x