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Bullying in the workplace

Question: Im 16 weeks pregnant and have just told my employer.

I have only been with this company 6 weeks, at first everything was fine, they were really impressed with me. But over the last 2 weeks when ive been ill, they have turned on me. When i told them about the pregnancy, they where soon to make a remark on my 3 month trial which was stated when i started but has never been mentioned since ive been there.My employer has been picking up on every little mistake i make and being quiet harsh towards me.

She keeps saying she isnt going to sack me because im pregnant but i feel she's trying to turn it into me not doing my job properly. She's also annoyed with time off im having to have with the scans and midwife visists and saying i have to come in earlier and stay later or even miss my break to make up for the lost time.

I dont mind that but i finding things really difficult now, when im at work im uptight and dont feel comfortable at all. Ive told this to her but she's said its the way she is and she needs someone who will work n is reliable. But i can't help it if im not very well and need to take a break.

It making me feel that the stress and worry is not doing the baby any good, but i still need the money. Can you give me any advice on how to handle this, what my legal rights are, can i do any temping work, what financial support i can get and what would be best?

I also have university to deal with soon as im continuing with that and work. Im over the moon about the baby though and have a lovely boyfriend. I just dont want to be feeling like this. Please help!! Jenna.

Dear Jenna - it sounds as though you have quite a lot to think about at the moment and having a stressful time at work is not helping you with all the unfamiliar aspects of being pregnant. If you have only just started in your job and now find that you are pregnant, you can understand how your company will feel.

They have gone through the recruitment process and now find that you are not able to work as they had hoped. This is something that you will have to discuss with them in a rational and organised way.

Try to let them know all your hospital appointments in advance so they can work around your absence. Make every effort to arrive on time at work, if not early, at other times so that you show that you are totally committed. If possible, organise hospital appointments, scans etc at the beginning or end of the day so you miss as little work as possible.

Their concerns will be to get the work done and if you are not there, you cannot do that.

If it turns out that they do not keep you on after your probationary period, it will be difficult to prove that it is due to your pregnancy. Temping can be a good idea when you are pregnant as the nature of the work is short term.

You do not say what you are doing but if you are studying as well at University, then you have a lot to think about and need to realise that in the latter stages of your pregnancy, when you will be a lot more tired, you will need more rest and less stress.

I don't know what financial help there is for you but you could call Working families who have a free helpline for parents to answer such queries. (Helpline - 0800 013 0313).

I hope this is helpful for you and that your pregnancy progresses well.
Diana Wolfin

www.changingdirection.com
Changing Direction
PO Box 164
Pinner, Middlesex
HA5 3YL
020 8868 7818
email: dianawolfin@changingdirection.com



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