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[MrsMar]

Hi there, I posted on the pregnancy board about this last week, but I've had a development and wondered if anyone had any advice...

I'm 10+3 and last week I've found out I won a six month traineeship with my current employer which involves quite a physical job, but it is one I know other friends have done while pregnant. Someone I spoke to last week did the job until 7.5months pregnant. I was due to start in July, but there are three traineeships running, one starting in April, one in July and one in October.

I've just been to see the manager who will be running the job to let him know that I'm pregnant, and he seemed very doubtful that I would be able to do it. He said a full risk assessment would have to be done, and that he didn't think I would be able to take up the traineeship. I said I was happy to do it while pregnant, that I know of at least two other women who have done the job while pregnant, but I would have to swap to start the traineeship in April (I was due to start in July) He then said that as the budget for these traineeships came out of the 2007/2008 financial year, all the traineeships have to be finished by April 2008, so I couldn't even postpone it until after my maternity leave (we're not a normal business, unusually funded and money from 2006/7 budget cannot be moved to 2007/8 budget)

I'm sorry I've waffled on, I'm really upset by the thought that I won't be allowed to take up the traineeship. The company advertises itself as an equal opportunities employer, yet despite me being as flexible as I can, they are doing everything to find a reason to stop me doing a traineeship I won fair and square. Does anyone have any advice??

[MrsMar]

God, you can tell I'm worked up about this, I even forgot to put a title in! Sorry about that!!

[3xamum]

Hi Acas were really helpful over the phone when I had issues with my ex employer whilst I was pregnant. Hope it all works out for you!

[lexiemum]

yes you need to do a risk assessment (for whatever job you are doing). the fact that you are not to be treated any differently and that there are two cases where pregnant women have successfully completed = I would say its all in your favour. make sure you deal with a HR bod and a training bod (if such exist) - sometimes line managers say things without thinking of the legal implications!

good luck.

[chocolatekimmy]

I think you need to be realistic about this. They have offered you a position already and they are not changing that are they.

Even if you start in April, you will be cutting it fine as you will be 40 weeks by the end of the 6 months. And thats if you want to work up until then. Theres also the possibility of baby arriving early.

Its (and I don't like to say it) 'unlucky' in relation to this that you are pregnant now and won't be able to fulfil the the traineeship you have been booked in for due to the impending maternity leave.

I think you maybe need to think that its great news that you are pregnant, you will be able to have a relaxed time without the addtional pressure of the traineeship and the opportunity to give up work when you want to and not to feel bad about it. Your pregnancy at this moment in time is the most important thing.

I understand your frustrations but it doesnt' sound as though they are doing everything to stop you. From their perspective, they have obviously got the April intake sorted so why should they push someone else off of that one for you to take their place. I am sure all of those people have made various arrangements and plans too so it wouldn't necessarily be fair. You say you are being flexible, you have told them you would have to swap the dates - thats not really being flexible as such.

I don't want to sound negative, I am all for progression and upgrading skills in order to better yourself but I think its all in the timing for this one I'm afraid. I don't think they are breaching any equal opportunity legislation either (though the manager shouldn't have really made the assumption that you won't be able to do it).

Lastly, yes they will have to do a full risk assessment on all aspects of the job, and also at different stages of your pregnancy as risks change as it progresses and you change shape. If it all comes out ok and risk free, the most I think you could insist on is that you start the traineeship in July as planned.

[MrsMar]

Oh joy of joys!!! I have been told I can defer my traineeship until I get back from maternity leave!!! I love my manager!!!!

[chocolatekimmy]

Thats good news after thinking it couldn't be postponed.

At least you can have a stress/pressure free pregnancy without all the worry.

[MrsMar]

I know chocolatekimmy, it's such a relief!! Plus because it's quite a physical job, I'll have no excuse to sit around once the baby's born, I'll have to go to baby gym classes to get fit!