My boss is trying to fire me because I'm pregnant

[arabella120]

So, long story short, I am 6 months pregnant and my company has suspended me from work from a false allegation. My boss does not like the fact I am pregnant as I cannot fit around his schedules and we have batted heads. He has fabricated stories about me and forwarded them to HR and therefore I am suspended.

I am extremely upset as I have been working for this establishment for many years now and never anything like this has happened. This has only come around while being pregnant. He calls me lazy, tells me I should be pushed down the stairs etc. Extremely inappropriate comments. I am the only female in the workplace and feel extremely isolated and helpless.

I came into work last week and was greeted by an investigator from HR who left me in tears and I was escorted out of the building. I made statements, pleading with them. The allegation my manager made against me was that I had stolen a missing stock item from my work, when confronted by the investigators, I showed them that it was in the office at work and has been there for months and never left the premises. We have permanent CCTV in the building - and I'm about to give birth, why on earth would I steal from a company I've been with for years just as I'm about to have my child? My manager failed to even ask me anything about this before forwarding it to HR. It's now being dealt with as an allegation of theft.

My boss consistently talks about hiring new people - he is new to his role - I'm not due to go on maternity until August. I have a funny feeling they don't want to pay me maternity, either.

So essentially, this is not a competence issue. I am the highest performer in my workplace, I am punctual and have never had any issues. For the past couple of months it seems like my boss who absolutely hates the fact I am pregnant, has been making a case against me. Now just as I am about to leave, they are trying to fire me out or make me quit for something I am completely innocent of.

I am completely distraught and upset by the entire thing. What are your thoughts?

Hire a lawyer.

Is there a union you can join?

Contact ACAS

No one here can help you. Speak to an employment lawyer and find out about your disciplinary procedure.

Is there a union you can join?

Too late now!

The allegation my manager made against me was that I had stolen a missing stock item from my work, when confronted by the investigators, I showed them that it was in the office at work and has been there for months and never left the premises. We have permanent CCTV in the building........ My manager failed to even ask me anything about this before forwarding it to HR. It's now being dealt with as an allegation of theft.

If everything is as you say then the investigation will find no case to answer, won’t it?

Wow sounds horrendous.
Push you down the stairs?! That’s harassment!

I hope you are noting down everything.

Yes to lawyer

Call the ACAS helpline for advice

The Acas helpline number is 0300 123 1100. It is available Monday to Friday 8am-6pm.
www.acas.org.uk/index.aspx?articleid=2042

Get professional help to show you won't be bullied. A few hundred pound spent on an employment solicitor will be money well spent.
Keep a diary. Try to keep everything official and written on emails in case you need proof ie. holiday dates, anti natel apps etc. Then he won't be able to deny you asked/advised them of it.
It will look bloody strange if this has all started since you have become pregnant and you need to mention this to HR. He can get into sooo much trouble for all this discrimination.
It does sound awful, I hope you are ok and it isn't affecting your pregnancy

Contact Maternity Action, a charity that help expectant mothers facing discrimination in the workplace. www.maternityaction.org.uk/

They have a telephone advice line that you could call.

Are you suspended on full pay. Call your union if you have one or any of the helplines others have given you. Write down your version of events and all the comments hes made. Do you plan to return there after baby, yours and babies health is your priority.

Why would she be suspended?

She’s already given her statement by the sounds of it.

Also keep in mind that if you've reached 25 weeks and are still employed by them (even if suspended) they legally have to pay you your statutory maternity pay.

@arabella120 I have been through this. The harrassment I endured during my pregnancy was horrific, and they tried to sack me for absolutely anything just to get me out.
Please private message me, as I have been through it and can offer you some advice xx

Are you in the UK? I'd be talking to a lawyer and raising the issue with someone very senior at work, he has physically threatened you.

You're six months pregnant but not due to go on maternity until August?

I’m so sorry to hear you are going through this. I am going through something similar but it’s performance related due to me having a difficult pregnancy.

Definitely contact citizens advice or a lawyer!

It’s disgusting how employers treat pregnant women even when there are laws to protect us.

Good luck with things and I really hope you resolve the situation x

Sorry you're going through this OP!

Get in touch with
pregnantthenscrewed.com/

They "run a free legal advice line, a mentor scheme for women taking legal action against an employer and a flexible working helpline."

Good luck, and congratulations on your pregnancy!!