Work issue - help needed

[AKP79]

Have posted this under the pregnancy topic as well, but not sure if this is a better place... I really need to know where I stand on something at work. I found out I was pregnant the night before I started a new job and told them at 12 weeks that I was due. They were really good about it at the time, but since have been a nightmare to work for piling ridiculous amounts of work on me and suggesting things like I should look into sacking my midwife because she only holds appointments between 12 ? 3pm and they think that?s too inconvenient. I?m due to go on maternity leave on 15th December.

Every new employee is put on a 6 month probationary period and my six months were up on 15th October. I asked for a review meeting, but nothing was put in, then a couple of weeks ago one was booked for yesterday. In the meeting I was told everything was going well and that feedback from my team had been glowing. They then said that there were a few frustrations and listed three things, which were all minor and had never been raised or even eluded to previously. I was then told that with those frustrations in mind that when I return from maternity leave I would be having my probationary period extended by 2 months.

I just need to know where I stand, my probationary period was 6 months, so officially ended on 15th October. I wasn?t told at that point there were plans to extend it and I wasn?t even given any negative feedback prior to the meeting yesterday. I have worked extremely hard for this place, have put in a lot of overtime and have only had one half day off sick.

When I was told about them extending my probationary period, the words were: ?This isn?t because you?re pregnant, but we are extending your probationary period.? I can?t help, but think the only reason they are doing it IS because I am pregnant.

Does anyone have any knowledge of the law when it comes to this kind of thing or know where I stand?

[KateMiddIeton]

We have a topic specifically for Employment Issues where you can browse to see how others have coped in similar situations but I just wanted to say don't worry too much. It doesn't necessarily sound pregnancy related either.

Firstly how long are you taking off for maternity leave? Has a risk assessment been done? Have you been able to attend your antenatal appointments? What are the consequences of failing to rectify the "frustrations"?

[GlendaGoose]

Although it must be annoying for you I don't think it really matters. The minute you've been employed for a year you have full employment rights (protection from unfair dismissal etc) regardless of whether the company says you are still in your probatioary period. Being on maternity leave still counts towards length of service in your employment.