How did you feel at the way your work dealt with your pregnancy and maternity leave?

Question

I worked for HBOS and although they had good policies on paper the muppets in line managment didn't implement them. I got turned down for extra training on several occasions and actually got told there was no point in training me becuase I was going away. I had to adjust shifts to fit in with antenatal classes as they made me feel very akward about needing time of for them.

I was signed of with back pain for a few weeks and the constantly phoned me to see when I was coming back.

If I'd had the energy I would have done something about it at the time but instead I just didn't go back!

Pay wise they were good - full pay for the firs 10 weeks then on to stat mat pay.

How did you feel you were treated?

Patrick - they should offer you the same oppertunities as any other employee. I could have returned to work after having my baby and been at a disadvantage becuase I hadn't been given the same chances as others before going on maternity leave.

Answer 1

What they did was illegal and you can sue them under the Sex Discrimination Act. By law an employee cannot be treated differently in any way due to be being pregnant but also can not be given any special treatment.

Any pregnancy related illnesses has to be given and no reprimands can be given, your department ringing you constantly when you have been signed off with a pregnancy issue is another no no and you can argue this caused you added stress.

Your employer has to give you time off for antenatal appointments and classes so this is another reason to sue. You should have given written confirmation of your first appointment and from then you just needed to inform your manager when you have different appointment and classes.

If I were you I would seek legal advice, if not for yourself but for the next pregnant woman who works there.

I work for the government and my boss tried to tell me that being signed off sick with a pregnancy related illness would cause me to have my maternity leave and pay reduced and possibly my contract would end whilst I was on leave. I sought legal advice and found this not to be true and threatened my boss with it, meanwhile my blood pressure was rising and the doc was signing me off for longer. Turns out my boss didn't want the paperwork hassle and I made her look bad to her bosses because of my leave and that was more important to her so she was trying to make me walk out, also I was doing a higher grades work to help the department out and being off made things difficult for the other managers. I have now been honoured with 52 weeks maternity leave, 26 weeks at full pay, 13 weeks at stat maternity pay and the rest as unpaid and when I do go back I won't be returning to that department and I will be a higher grade with a pay rise.

Seriously make a complaint otherwise this will keep happening and stress and pregnancy do not mix.

I hope things work out for you.

......oh and congrats ;o)

Answer 2

Well, I was only given 6 weeks. I took off a week early.

Now here's the funny part....I had informed my section manager three months before my leave was to start, and she in turn told the store manager that same day what my plan was.

Then one week before I was due to have my leave, the guy that was 3rd in charge of the store came up to me and tried to yell at me for not informing him. In truth, he was the manager of checking and front office, but he acts as manager when the other two aren't there. He was also known for sexually harassing the female employees, although no one could actually prove it. I just shrugged my shoulders and said, "Ron (the store manager) and Jenny have known for 3 months. Not my fault if they didn't tell you." I didn't hear another word after that.

Answer 3

I had just started a new job the week before I found out I was pregnant, they were excellent. They moved me to a different department because the one I was on had me hauling huge photocopiers around, and made sure that I had a chair at my work station to sit down when I needed it.
I honestly can't fault them.

Unfortunately, my baby had other ideas and I had such an awful pregnancy that I had to leave at 10 weeks pregnant- I kept passing out, and though they were perfectly willing to let me stay on, I thought it would be better for all concerned if they just got someone in who could actually do a full days work.

they even mentioned that I would be welcome to return if I wanted after I'd had my baby, but I chose to stay home with my baby instead.

I didn't get to test their maternity leave policies, but I really can't fault their willingness to do anything they could for me :)

Answer 4

sammy here ! i was treated bad too! i was actually shouted at in front of alot of people because i wouldnt carry heavy boxes, and when i said no i was demanded to get a letter from the doctor stating what i could do and what i couldnt i was 4mths pregnant at the time , i got the letter and also handed in my notice as i couldnt be bothered with it all , unfortunely i lost my baby at 6mths due to premature labour. imagine what would have happened if i stayed and it happened there in the work place i would probably be made have her there . trhey had no right in phoning you up you had a docotrs note and thats all that matters, i hope you stayed out for the full yerm at the end of the day its you your baby and your partner that matters!!! hope everthing goes ok

Answer 5

It sounds to me like they don't care to much for their employees.I would definitely complain.I worked at a motel when I was pregnant and didn't have any other place to go at the time.So I worked the whole time,until the doctors told me I could not work anymore.I am actually grateful because it got me much more in shape,It got me ready for my painful childbirth.I did not get any pain medication,so I guess it all depends on the person and what you want Congratulations,and the best of luck to you.I hope your childbirth is as wonderful as mine was.Your work should have been much more understanding.Hope everything work out for you.

Answer 6

When I first found out I was Pregnant the job I was working for had a Light Duty "C.N.A." When I told them I was pregnant they told me they no longer did that and pulled my name off the computer fired me.. Then told everyone that i quit. I didn't know that i had quit until the next day when I showed up for work. It was my word against there's and I did not get my job back. I think women still have a long way to go when it comes to rights.

Answer 7

I'm in Canada, and leaving on maternity leave was fine. Its the law that I have to have a job to come back to after a full year of paid maternity leave (paid by unemployment at 55% of your wages to a maximim of $450.oo per week) I was treated just fine,and they were glad to see me back in a year. I went to my monthly Dr's appt;'s (I tried t schedule them mostly after work) at 36 weeks I had to go on bed rest, so I took my 2 weeks vacation and then started maternity leave.

Answer 8

I only get six weeks leave, and it's unpaid. I'm really hating the thought of it right now. My husband is only going to take a day or two off work, because we have to have money! I guess everybodys policy is different...

Answer 9

unfortunately i was made redundent and after i couldn't get a job and the best excuse i was given was because of health and safety!! made me feel totally useless and unwanted. but whatever i have had to put up with it's worth it when i look at what i have now...a beautiful nearly 7 week old baby girl. : )

Answer 10

why should a company waste money training employees when that employee will be leaving the company in a few weeks because the employee got pregnant.