Friend being made redundant whilst pregnant

[Tasha]

Just after some advise as I am pretty sure they can not do this to her, basically she is pregnant (16/17 weeks ish) and she was told yesterday that she is being made redundant, there reason is they cant afford to pay her any more, yet they are going to be employing someone else in her role. Like I said I dont think they can do this, but just wanted to be certain. It would mean that after her notice she would miss out on SMP by 4/5 weeks, I know the majority of the payments are the same but the first six weeks would obviously help her out, and also to have a job to go back to. What do you all think?

 

[Abz1982]

If they make her redundant - as in her ROLE redundant. They CANNOT fill it immediately after. They can in say a few months, but they cannot make her redundant and move someone else directly into her role.

She needs to call ACAS!!

 

[Bexbex999]

Legally they have to wait a period of 6 months before advertising the job under the same job description. However, they can create a role with a similar description but the 2 roles must be seen as totally seperate. If she was the only person to be made redundant and other people have the same position as her she can ask for reasons as to why she was chosen for redundancy over the others.

 

[daddy.danno]

Legally they have to wait a period of 6 months before advertising the job under the same job description. However, they can create a role with a similar description but the 2 roles must be seen as totally seperate. If she was the only person to be made redundant and other people have the same position as her she can ask for reasons as to why she was chosen for redundancy over the others.

Yes 6 month period is the minimum they have to wait.
With regards to asking why - if they use pregnancy as an excuse, take to tribunual, as this is discrimination saying " shes not capable as shes pregnant" in other words witholding her due to a disability.

Acas is the right answer or seek help from C.A.B (Citizens advice berau) or a union official if she is in the union at work.

Dan