Risk of Redundancy 18 weeks pregnant

[mysteriouseye]

Hi Ladies,

I am at risk of being made redundant (found out Monday) and it has absolutely terrified me. I am a facility manager/Receptionist and have just recently come off maternity leave in April this year but am pregnant again (18 weeks). When I returned my maternity covers contract was extended so that she could help out on the sales side of things. I was to believe her contract was extended until November 2015. Because of her contract being fixed term and we are both at risk of being made redundant, we both have the right to apply for the job and be interviewed for this upcoming role that will be made (Admin/Sales Operations) I have no experience in the Sales side but my maternity cover does because she has been working in sales. So I feel quite sad that I will basically have no chance at this interview. Which means I will probably be the one made redundant at 18 weeks. Leaving me in a tricky situation.. If I am the one to be made redundant who is going to hire an 18 week (probably even more weeks by the time this happens) pregnant woman? Also I need to still be with the company by 16th August to qualify for SMP. I am scared this will all happen to quick and I will not end up getting my SMP! I feel quite sad that I have been with the company 4 years and bent over backwards for them yet here I am fighting for my job over my MATERNITY cover who has only been here 1 year.

Help please!!

 

[jessmke]

I don't really have any advice, but I am in a bit of a similar situation. I just finished school to be a vet nurse and am starting my 6 week practicum today. When that is over I will be 24 weeks pregnant and looking for a job! I need to work for 15 weeks before the baby is born in order to qualify for paid maternity leave, but I don't know who will hire me at 5 1/2 months pregnant. Here in Canada we do not have to tell an employer that we are pregnant, and I could probably hide the belly under a baggy dress or something for an interview, but that is not something I look forward to having to do.

I think in the UK you guys have to disclose your pregnancy at 20 weeks, is that correct? If so, could you start applying for jobs right now, and hopefully you'll find something before you're 20 weeks so you won't have to tell them at the interview?

 

[loeylo]

I just want to reassure you both - things will work out in the end! I'm 25 weeks and my contract ended the day before I would have been entitled to maternity pay - how is that for sucky?!?

I had 6 interviews and didn't get any of them (despite my own boss knowing, and having interviewed many of the other candidates, and assuring me I was the best candidate!) - they obviously clocked the baby bump! I was heartbroken but the next day I ended up getting a new contract and now I am getting 13 weeks at 90% pay, and have a part-time contract to go back to afterwards

Sadly I need to go back when she is 13 weeks, but only three days. My partner by total coincidence got a significant pay rise which is effective as of this month, so now he is doing 30h compressed over 3 days, I work half day on a Friday anyway so now I just need to get childcare for half a day per week - this will probably be family.

Honestly, about a week ago I was convinced I wouldn't be able to take any time off (except from the legal minimum) and was looking at night shift work to tide us over financially so my partner could have the baby. I should probably add that I'm a teacher so I was lookin into totally different lines of work where I would make significantly less per hour.

Good luck ladies, I hope things work out for you xxx

 

[Mrs G]

Hi
I'd contact your Union or citizens advice as I'm sure there are rules about making a pregnant woman redundant. Think it does depend on your contract tho.
Good luck.
Xx

 

[BabyJayne]

Even if the worst happens and you do get made redundant you should still qualify for maternity allowance, which is basically SMP without the 6 weeks at 90%. Hope things work out for you

 

[icklemonster]

This document may be helpful: https://www.acas.org.uk/media/pdf/r...ose-on-maternity-leave-accessible-version.pdf

I'd say your employers are treading a dangerous route of discrimination and personally I would be having a chat with an employment lawyer to see if you have a case.

If you were already on maternity leave they would have to offer you the new job. I don't know where you stand once you have returned from maternity leave and are pregnant again, but you can give ACAS a call to find out.

Can I ask what size company you work for? xx

 

[mysteriouseye]

its a very large company.. there are god knows how many offices in each country. there are about 50 in the UK itselfxx

 

[Mrs G]

Hi

Like pp said, I'd get advice. Go to HR or someone like acas. A big company should know the rules about redundancy and pregnancy. It is classed as discrimination.
Good luck. Xx

 

[icklemonster]

its a very large company.. there are god knows how many offices in each country. there are about 50 in the UK itselfxx

For that size of company I would imagine you have a HR person assigned to maternity matters. I would firstly seek advice from ACAS on your rights, but also call the maternity HR person and have a chat with them and say it seems like clear-cut discrimination. If you hadn't been on maternity leave the maternity cover person would not have gained experience within your job, and therefore now have experience in both of the areas required for the new position. You are clearly in an unfair position simply because you went on maternity leave. See what they say and it may rattle their cages a bit, but I would also start researching if there are any no win no fee employment lawyers who would take on such a case xx