‘I told my employer I was pregnant – they asked if I’d consider a termination’

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Charlotte Thomas

Social Editor

A mum-to-be has revealed her manager told her to think about ‘work and responsibilities’ when she announced her pregnancy.

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A Netmums forum member has revealed her manager's shocking response after she announced her pregnancy news at work – and was asked if she’d consider a termination.

Posting in the Netmums forum, the mum-to-be said: ‘So today I went into work and told my colleagues the good news. 

‘My line manager immediately asked what I was going to do, I stared at her blankly and continued speaking about the pregnancy.’

The mum-to-be said that while her pregnancy wasn’t planned, she and her partner are very happy about the news. She wrote:

‘Although it wasn't planned and there was initial shock we are happy about it.'

But she said her manager suggested she consider her options: ‘She then turned around and said to me would I consider a termination. I was gobsmacked and immediately said no of course not.

‘She then said I needed to think about work and my responsibilities.     

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'I actually have no idea how to handle this.’

Other Netmums forum members were quick to offer advice, suggesting the poster speak to a union rep or employment lawyer and lodge a formal complaint.

While the manager’s comments may be shocking, this isn’t an isolated case.

A nursery nurse was awarded £25,646 earlier this month after bosses asked her if keeping her baby was a ‘good idea’ when she announced her pregnancy a week after starting a job. She was later forced to reduce her hours and then made redundant.

So what do you do if you find yourself in a situation like this?

What to do if you think you're being discriminated against because of pregnancy

It is against the law to discriminate against an employee or job applicant because of pregnancy, pregnancy related illnesses and maternity leave or pay. This applies no matter how long you've been employed.

Discrimination includes:

• losing your job
• not being offered a job
• changing your pay or other terms
• forcing you to work while on maternity leave
• stopping you returning to work because you're breastfeeding

Discrimination in pregnancy can be a tricky area but there are services you can contact that offer help and advice.

Acas

'Our services are available to anyone who is concerned about their rights at work,’ says an Acas spokesperson. ‘The Acas website contains information on pregnancy at work and maternity, and we encourage anyone to consult it or call our helpline on 0300 123 1100.’

Pregnant then Screwed

A charity dedicated to ending the 'motherhood penalty' and campaigning for change, you'll find lots of information about your rights and other women's experiences and a support helpline for advice – 0161 2229879.

EASS

The Equality Advisory and Support Service (EASS) helpline can advise you on equality and human rights, including in pregnancy 0808 800 0082.

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