Pregnant and 'unique' job situation

Hi,

I was wondering if anyone could please advise on where I stand with my current situation!

I 'started' a new job at the beginning of May - but have yet to do a days work! The delay is not on my side - but on that of my new employers - a consultancy company that relies on client projects to come in so as to be able to 'send' the consultants out! I have been on full pay since I 'started' - so no complaints there, and the few meetings etc etc I have engaged in with the company, assure me that there is no need for concern and that this timelag situation is something that they are used to dealing with!

However, I have now just discovered that I am pregnant!The company doesnt offer maternity pay anyway - but my concern(s) are as follows;a) if I had been working my probationary period was due to end in Oct/Nov - I am now assuming this will be extended because I have yet to start - I assume legally the company can do this if my performance is not an issue? b) despite the company telling me this delay is normal - I cant help but feel a tad concerned about the delay - can they 'fire' me without me doing a days work?? If so - where would I stand legally?? c) also - I am concerned if I dont start for another couple of months that I will obviously have to tell them I am pregnant and that could seriously annoy them and they will make up reasons to let me go after my probation!!!

Apologies - call it too much time on my hands or pregnancy hormones - but I cant help but wonder!My husband tells me to relax and enjoy the break and time off - but I cant help but worry!

Thanks for the advice!

I would have thought that the probation period starts from day 1, given that they are paying you.

moved from Legal & Financial issues to Work, Careers, Un/employment, Further Education/Training.

Phibs, congratulations on your pregnancy. As 26cb says, your employment started on day one as you are being paid from that date.The fact that the Co.have no work to send you to is not your fault so your probationary period ends after is it six months? Have you got a contract? As your husband says sit tight and enjoy the holiday.You can't plan your life around their 'projects'. It's surprising that you weren't required to attend the office each day while waiting for the work to come in? Still, enjoy while you can, sounds like as if you could have had another job as well for the six weeks you are waiting. Double pay.

Congratulations

Phibs said:

a) if I had been working my probationary period was due to end in Oct/Nov - I am now assuming this will be extended because I have yet to start - I assume legally the company can do this if my performance is not an issue?

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Your probation is whatever your contract says.

Phibs said:

b) despite the company telling me this delay is normal - I cant help but feel a tad concerned about the delay - can they 'fire' me without me doing a days work?? If so - where would I stand legally??

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"Proper" employee rights don't kick in until you've been with the same company for more than one year.

They could let you go now, fairly easily, if they wanted to.

Phibs said:

c) also - I am concerned if I dont start for another couple of months that I will obviously have to tell them I am pregnant and that could seriously annoy them and they will make up reasons to let me go after my probation!!!

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Yep, they'll probably be pissed off. If I were you I'd just go with it and see what happens.

Best of luck!

If they are a mature and established company with a half-decent HR manager, they will be extremely careful about doing anything that could be interpreted as discrimination on grounds of your pregnancy.

RainyDay is correct. No right thinking company would ever lay off a pregnant employee as irrespective of their reasons they will have a very hard time convincing an employment tribunal that it is was not beacuse she was pregnant. Of this I have some experience.

On a slightly separate issue you have a requirement under health and safety legislation to inform your employer about your pregnancy 'as soon as is practicable' after you become aware of it. Generall speaking after about 12-14 weeks is the norm in my experience. However if you work in any industry that has the potential due to its nature to damage you or your unborn child e.g. chemical, pharma, construction, etc. then you should inform them at a very early stage of the pregnancy. As soon as they are informed they are legally required to carry out a pregnant employee risk assessment.

Thanks for all the advice and words of encouragement!! No need for me to say anything yet - still in early weeks, but obviously will after 12-14 weeks!
Contract says my probationary period ends after 6 months - but that can be extended, but will not be for longer that a total of 12 months...
Probably had a minor panic about nothing - but you know yourself the way the mind can work out on what ifs....!

Thanks!

If they extend probation, they generally providegood reasons, this is usually your "last chance" , so Prob. should end after 6 months.

If you keep your nose clean , I suppose you could be technically alright, but fact you have not worked yet could lead to "no work, no role".

Thats my fear! Fact that as of yet I havent worked - is there really a job there?!??!?! Can anyone advise if I would have any comeback if they were to let me go without doing a days work?? I assume that, as per my contract, they can let me go at a months notice - but is that fair if I havent actually worked?? Its a strange one to me!