My 6 month probabtion was extended. I'm 23 weeks pregnant.

[Jade1122]

Hi there,

Wondering what my next best steps are, and what you would do my situation?

My 6 month probation period ended, on the last day to my complete surprise my bosses said they want to extend my probation period by 3 months.

There have been no complaints regards my performance before now. No performance reviews in the last 6 months just the odd positive comment. They stated one reason was training that they have not had the time to put into me, as well they mentioned one or two mistakes of mine that doesn't demonstrate my lack of understanding but are best described as human errors.

I started in Dec, I became pregnant. I made them aware of my pregnancy asap, this was in April.

This meeting which I wasn't prepared for, was dressed up as a casual chat, it has yet to be formalised. Not sure what I'll walk into on Monday.

My contract states my employer can extend the probation period but it also says there will be regular performance reviews in the lead upto the end of the probabtion, which hasn't happened.

For now I'm still employed.. but I'm nervous. I imagine an actual structure for formal training will be created which is fine I'm happy about that but I'm unhappy at the extension of the probabtion period i feel it unfair, and I'm nervous for what may happen next.

I was honest when asked, I made it clear I didn't agree with their decision or think it fair.

Any thoughts?

Worried mama to be.

TIA

Call ACAS and get some advice as you may be experiencing discrimination due to your pregnancy.

They should have given you a performance review long before the last day of probation, and let you know that your probation would likely be extended.

I don’t know the legalities, I just mean in terms of behaving fairly.

I suspect your being pregnant is a factor tbh. Arm yourself with as much info as possible.

A probationary period has no definition in employment law, so to be honest if it were to do with them wanting to dismiss you because you are pregnant this will not make it any easier for them.

Terminating a pregnant woman is generally going to arouse suspicion of discrimination which of course you are protected against from day one and whether you are in a probationary period or not.

As you do not appear to have had any indication that there was a performance problem, I think you should ask for a meeting and insist upon a proper explanation for the reasons behind the decision. I would also ensure that regular review meetings are put in place.

Having just experienced pregnancy discrimination at work I would suggest calling citizens advice, acas, pregnant then screwed and also maternity action. All of them were so helpful and informative x

I don't have any actual advice but contact pregnant then screwed on Instagram, they are brilliant and will be able to help with all pregnancy and work related issues

PP have suggested ACAS and pregnant then screwed.

Find the probation and the performance management policies and procedures. Both of these will set out how many reviews you should have had and what they should cover. They will also set out what must be done if an employees performance is not up to standard.

From what you have written they are potentially using probation to discriminate against you. However, to be effective they need to have followed their own policies and procedures, and again, from what you have said, they haven’t. This gives you leverage if you need to make a claim of maternity discrimination. Make sure you document any reviews you have.