I am being forced to tell my colleagues

[Chelle3991]

I have just found out I am pregnant; I'm only 6 weeks, but I'm having quite a tough time with pain, nausea and fatigue. During the mornings I'm struggling to get out the house on time, due to getting cramps at random times and having to sit down. As you can imagine this in itself is causing me enough stress, as I'm constantly worried something is wrong. On top of that my employer has threatened that if they feel my sickness and lateness is too much, then they will force me to announce it to my colleagues (we're a small office of 10 and they're worried everyone else will try to take the mick). Obviously I have no intention of doing this until I am at least 12 weeks pregnant, but do I have choice? Are they actually allowed to do this if I don't wish to disclose it?

everyone else will try to take the mick

really? Are you a member of a Union? pretty sure this is illegal (but I am not a lawyer or expert)

It’s a terrible way of them to behave, however...assuming your colleagues are nice people wouldn’t it be helpful to have them know and cut you some slack? And if the worst does happen, again their support and understanding could be hugely beneficial. But then I’ve never subscribed to the keep it a secret thing. I kind of think if I did have a miscarriage I’d want people to know so they’d understand and support me

They couldn't force you to tell your colleagues. But equally, if you are dragging yourself into work, possibly repeatedly late, and /or off sick a lot, and it's such a small place, are you ok with your colleagues coming to their own conclusions, speculating, and/or talking behind your back? Because they are certainly going to notice. You can't expect they won't.

GDPR. They need to be mindful of what they are doing with your data.

Sorry but you being late or taking days off sick is 1. Protected because you are pregnant and 2. Absolutely their problem to deal with without disclosing your personal business. If it was mental health noone would be going around the way you're mangers are.

No, they can't force you to reveal your personal medical history to colleagues, it is confidential. All they need to do is tell your colleagues that they are supporting you at the moment due to a medical condition.

They'll find out what it is soon enough anyway

They are not allowed to tell your colleagues which is why they’re saying threatening that you will have to.
Fact is, it’s up to you who you tell, when and why.

Also, it’s illegal for them to penalise you in any way for time off directly related to your pregnancy.

They’re being massively unprofessional and I believe that they can see that this might cause your colleagues to ‘see what they can get away with’ or begin complaining about you.
They should be able to deal with that themselves without the need for your news to be announced. It’s basic management.

Op if I were you I'd just get myself signed off until the symptoms die down.

If you're in a union I'd get some advice but ask your work how they intend to force you to announce your pregnancy.

Thank you all for your messages. It's nice to get different opinions, other than your angry partner who thinks they should all go to hell haha

I am quite close with my team, however at the same time I'm quite a private person as well and sort of hate the fuss over me.

I think I may consider reminding them of little old GDPR, if they do wanna take it there, because it's true they can't physically get me to say it if I don't want to.

Thanks all

Xx