Can I lose my job for getting pregnant?

Question

I'm in a relatively senior position of some responsibility and while I don't have any plans to have kids, it could happen one day. My company would really suffer without me and I'm sure they would punish me by changing my role or by sacking me on some other pretext. Its an engineering firm and I'm the only female engineer. Some of my colleagues have already made comments along the lines of how unfair it is that women get 'holidays' to have kids and that they think women should choose between a career and a family. Funny, men don't have to make that choice!

Answer 1

today, especailly if you signed and filled out an application there is a little clause in there that if you read the fine print says something along these lines:

they can fire you at any time for anything.

so yes, techinically they can, but hopefully if you have a good relationship with your employer it won't be a problem. just be honest with them and let them know you want to keep your job.

and you say men don't... men can take maturnity leave though! so if your company would suffer so grealty, maybe if you do ever decide you're husband could stay home instead of you.

Answer 2

No, your employers can NOT sack or dismiss for getting pregnant.
There have been court cases when a female member of staff has been sacked for getting pregnant, the employers LOST had had to pay damages.

Just recently am Trainee Policewoman was awarded £93,000, just because the force did NOT give her a sensible/stable working pattern - one week she would be working nights, the next afternoons - her partner is also a Trainee Policeman, sometimes they would be working the same shifts - making it difficult to arrange suitable/permanent childcare. A male colleague had just come back of sick leave, and he was given a desk job that was 9 - 5 without even asking.

Answer 3

Employment Law protects you, they cannot sack you.

Suspension from Work whilst Pregnant An employer is entitled to suspend an employee who is either pregnant, has recently given birth or is breastfeeding in the following circumstances.

1. Health and Safety reasons, for example the employee’s job involves working with chemicals.

2. The employee normally works on a night shift.

The employer can only suspend the employee, the employer cannot dismiss the employee as this would be connected with her pregnancy and so automatically unfair.

However, before the employee is suspended the employer must consider alternative work for the employee. If the employer fails to offer alternative work where it is available the employee can complain to an Employment Tribunal.

However, the complaint must be made within 3 months of the suspension.

The employee must be suspended on full pay, with all the perks or benefits of the job. However, she will not be entitled to full pay if she has unreasonably refused a suitable offer of alternative work from the employer

Answer 4

Yes, I have seen really good, award winning engineer's and civil designers get fired for MUCH LESS. An employer will find a reason to fire you if they want, and if not they will make one up. If someone else has to be hired to fill in for you, or your co-workers take on extra work to finish you portion, expect to be demoted at the very least. Also remember. as a woman so your 10 times more likely to win a civil law suit for wrongful termination than a guy, even better if you're not white. It depends highly on how much your boss likes you as a person (as with most jobs), but I would be prepared for demotion or termination. You certainly would not be the first to be fired for getting pregnant.

Answer 5

Pregnancy and maternity leave actually gives women a lot more rights with regard to employment then many realise. If you are really worried about it I would suggest getting some free legal advice (most solicitors firms do it). I think you will find that you are actually very protected and that any firm trying to sack you actually makes itself VERY vulnerable to an unfair dismissal claim from yourself.

Good luck whatever happens.

Answer 6

The Pregnancy Discrimination Act requires that women who are affected by pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions be treated the same as any other employee who is similarly able or unable to work. Where an employer offers benefits of any sort, therefore — including retirement, health insurance, or disability benefits — it must cover pregnancy and related medical conditions in the same way that it covers other medical conditions.

Answer 7

While it is illegal to fire you if you get pregnant, that unfortunately does not mean the company and your coworkers would not be able to make you feel unwelcome or uncomfortable about that fact. If it is something you can prove, you could sue them. However, I would suggest that it might be beneficial in the long run to find another employer anyway, as this does not sound like a very welcoming or nuturing environment to be in.

Answer 8

Men not only do not have to "make that choice" but can also take off 3-6 weeks on the "Family Medical Leave Act" when the wifey delivers.

Answer 9

I don't know where you are located and the size of your company.

Yes, you are most like be protected. In the US, especially in California.

They cannot fire you unless they can prove that you're going fire you regardless, and that would still be a problem. Unless you are a extremely VITAL for the company, by what you have written, it seems that you're not (I know, in my mind I vital to my company) also. :D) I would advise you that you should read your employees manual or contact your HR for information before you start having kids, to know your rights at your state.

The comments are in bad taste, but that is another issue.

Answer 10

No you cannot be fired for becoming pregnant. The law allows you to take maternity leave and your employer must keep your position, or a position of equal reward, for you on your return. If they don't you can calim unfair dismissal