My employer has told everyone in work what is on my sick cert and that Im pregnant. Is this legal?

[BarbieLovesKen]

The title pretty much says it all. I am having alot of hassle with my Line Manager.

Anyway, went to the Doc on Monday morning, was signed off with hyperemisis. Withing 3 hours of informing work that I was sick and that I would post in cert I received text messages/ phone calls from 3 colleagues to congratulate me of my pregnancy. When asked how they knew they said Line Manager had called them into her office and told them I was off sick with a pregnancy related illness.

In the next two days I have received 3 more congratulations for colleagues (in different departments) by text, facebook and on the street.

I have yet to hit 12 weeks yet, I have previously had a MC which Line Manager is aware of. Im very nervous about this pregnancy. We have not even told our families yet and now many people know - one is friends with DH's family and I had to ask him not to say anything until we announce it.

Im really angry. I know I shouldnt be so negative but God forbid, if something happened to this pregnancy, I would be forced to explain to all these people.

Can I complain about this? I cant find anything on the net about confidentiality in work for staff.

[walkingonair]

It is confidential information and should not be shared without your consent. However, unless you specifically asked her to keep things private, she may just plead ignorance and say she didnt realise she was doing anything wrong. Depending on how supportive and effective your HR department are they'll probably give her a warning.

However, if there is a history of bullying and this person's motivation for telling people was to undermine and upset you, you may have a strong grievance case. If she is a manager you may be able to look at gross misconduct.

[Towatessa]

I see your point Walkingonair but even if you didn't specifically say that she shouldn't share the information, she is still totally out of order to tell everyone, to the point where is gross misconduct.

[Scruffyhound]

She can't do that! As others have said put it in with the rest of the problems you have had. You could seek legal advise for it if you liked? They are not allowed to tell anyone only you can. I can remember a person at work who had scabies (I know different to pregnancy but same effect) she told her manager then he told all of us people were cleaning their lab coats and all sorts. The manager got a warning for this as its not allowed. They can say your off sick and will not be back for a bit if shifts need covering and stuff like that but not go into detail!! Good luck hope you pregnancy is ok