Training stopped whilst pregnant - is this allowed?

[micegg]

Please excuse the long message - This is a tricky one so I just want some honest advice. I have been taking part in an on going training package at work to acquire a new skill. I dont want to give too much away as I dont want to be idenitified in RL. Basically the skill I am learning relates to checking part of our processes so we can maintain quality. The training involves being mentored by another member of the team I am in by checking my ability to carry out these skills in mock situations. I have been training since Feb and think I could get the rest of the training completed by Jan. I am now pregnant and plan to leave in March. I wanted to get the training done so I could use my new skill for as long as possible before I leave. I will then only need to do a refreshers version of the training when I return 12 months after my baby is born. I have just heard that they are thinking of suspending my training from now until I return. The reason they give is that they dont think there will be a business need for this skill when I return. I know this is untrue as its an ongoing requirement for people to get this particular skill.

My issues are this: On the face of it I see what they are saying, I wont be here for a year so why finish the traiing for a skill I will only use for a few months before taking a year off. BUT, if I come off the training now I will have to completely redo the training when I return and that will only be when someone is available to mentor me which may mean I am at the back of the queue, this skill is necessary for promotion which I may wish to apply for (if it comes up) whilst I am away or on my return. To me it makes mroe sense that I finish my training and then do the shorter refresher training once I return (you can only do this if you have first completed the longer version of the training).

I also wander if this is actually allowed. Not sure about this but in some ways I feel they are discriminating against me. or I am just being unreasonable about that? I feel they are discriminating against me on the basis that they know I will be away so they are suspending the training now even though I have another 4 months left at work. For all they know they could be training someone else who will hand their notice in in a months time. I have been working at this company for 8 years and have never suggested that I dont intend on coming back.

Sounds like they are discriminating against you because you are oregnant. Don't think they can do what they are suggesting. Do you have HR that you can contact about this? Or a union?

I would certainly speak to HR department, completely unacceptable.

If they are stopping your training merely because you are pregnant then this is discrimination and is not allowed. There may be a business need issue but I would certainly speak to HR asap.

This is definitely discrimination. The only reason I could possibly think of that would be justified is that if there is a health and safety risk to you and/or the baby from the training. Otherwise totally irrelevant that you are going on maternity leave. You are still an employee and your service will be continuous while on maternity leave. Are you OK about raising it, or do you want help with that? Plenty of HR folk on here who could help if so I am sure.

hope that didn't sound patronising, wasn't meant to be . I am just on your behalf!

Why do you think they have told you that they don't think there will be a particular need for it when you return? Is the training provided in-house and on an ongoing basis? Who has told you that you have to stop thetraining? Who is "they?"

You're entitled to your training:

"Pregnancy-related issues:
Any unfavourable treatment of a women of any grounds related to pregnancy, childbirth or maternity leave is unlawful and is likely to constitute sex discrimination and may also give rise to a constructive unfair dismissal claim".

If the reason for stopping you completing the training is connected to pregnancy it will be direct sex discrimination which is illegal.

I suggest you clarify the position, who did you hear it from, was it in a formal capacity etc. Once it is clarified, you can decide what to do next.

They should be able to justify it if they give another reason. You should challenge it if you are uncomfortable (or don't believe them) and if you don't get a satisfactory response you would have to go through the grievance process.

Are there other people doing the training that you can compare yourself with?

Thanks for the responses everyone. I was told by the person mentoring me after an apparent converstaion with my manager (whilst I wasn't there!). It was all said rather casually and I ahve to say the person concerned is not the best with explaining things but I got the gist. I have a meeting booked with my manager his week so will see if she brings it up if not I will ask her what the plans are about getting my training completed ASAP given I am going on maternity leave in 4 months. Then take it from there. I am not surpised as I had the same thing last time and now feel I am at a disadvantage because I have been prevented from obtaining another skill. To say there is no business case it tosh as this skill is essential for us to complete our work. As I ahve siad I am keen to obtain the skill concerned as it would directly affect my chances of obtaining a promotion when they next advertise.

BTW there is no health and safety reason for em not completig the training. It is very unexciting and involves sitting at a computer!

Let us know how you get on.