What should I do if my employer refuses to do something about my pregnancy?
Pregnant employees who think they’re at risk but their employer disagrees should talk to their health and safety or trade union representative. If your employer still refuses to do anything, talk to your doctor or contact the Health and Safety Executive. It is against the law to discriminate against anyone because of being pregnant.
Can a pregnant employee take time off work?
Employees cannot take time off for antenatal appointments until they’ve told the employer about the pregnancy. When the employee tells their employer they’re pregnant, the employer should assess the risks to the employee and their baby. Risks could be caused by:
What happens if you tell your employer you are pregnant?
When the employee tells their employer they’re pregnant, the employer should assess the risks to the employee and their baby. Risks could be caused by: heavy lifting or carrying. standing or sitting for long periods without adequate breaks. exposure to toxic substances.
What are the risks of being a pregnant employee?
Health and safety for pregnant employees. When the employee tells their employer they’re pregnant, the employer should assess the risks to the employee and their baby. Risks could be caused by: heavy lifting or carrying. standing or sitting for long periods without adequate breaks. exposure to toxic substances.
Can a employer refuse to hire a woman if she is pregnant?
Under the PDA, an employer cannot fire, refuse to hire, demote, or take any other adverse action against a woman if pregnancy, childbirth, or a related medical condition was a motivating factor in the adverse employment action. This is true even if the employer believes it is acting in the employee’s best interest.
When does an employer discriminate against a pregnant woman?
The most familiar form of pregnancy discrimination is discrimination against an employee based on her current pregnancy. Such discrimination occurs when an employer refuses to hire, fires, or takes any other adverse action against a woman because she is pregnant, without regard to her ability to perform the duties of the job.
How does an employer have to treat a pregnant woman?
An employer has to treat women affected by pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions the same as other employees who are similar in their ability or inability to work with respect to light duty, alternative assignments, disability leave, or unpaid leave.
What are the legal rights of pregnant workers?
Legal Rights of Pregnant Workers under Federal Law If you are pregnant, have been pregnant, or may become pregnant, and if your employer has 15 or more employees, you are protected against pregnancy-based discrimination and harassment at work under federal law.