Mistreated at work and pregnant

[Clo2513]

I have 4 weeks left until my holiday starts and then my maternity starts straight after that, but it’s my first day back today at work after a week off. I’m a care assistant and I’ve had 2 risk assessments in the time of me telling them I’m pregnant. In my risk assessment I asked to be taken out of certain calls because they were too hard for me to carry on with, I’ve now been out back into doing these calls for my last 4 weeks even after explaining to my manager we had taken them calls of me until I’m back from my maternity. They’ve chosen to ignore me even after me telling them I’m not willing to do these calls but they still aren’t taking them off me. I’m not sure if anyone will have any advice for me?

[Prosopon]

If it was decided in a previous risk assessment to take you off these calls then they really shouldn't be making you do them now. Do you have a copy of the risk assessment where it says you don't have to do them? If it is in writing then they are being incredibly stupid! Could you speak to someone in HR, or someone above your manager? Also, if you are in a union you could maybe get some advice from them and your midwife might be able to advise/help you as well in this situation.

I would probably put something in writing to the manager as well, explaining your concerns about the risk of these particular calls and reminding them that you had been taken off them. Something in writing is much harder to ignore than a verbal conversation.

I should say I'm not an expert and others might be able to give you different advice but this is just what I would do. I hope it gets resolved.

[Clo2513 in reply to Prosopon]

I have a copy of the risk assessment which clearly says I am to be taken out of these calls until I’m back off my maternity so I have that evidence there to back me up but they seem to ignore my messages and everything I’m telling them. I asked to speak to someone higher than my manager but they’re refusing to give me contact information so it’s just a horrible situation and can’t wait to be finished now. Thank you for the advice I’ll definitely take it on board!

[Hollibob]

I would maybe ask your manager, as a bit of a wake up call, for a copy of the discrimination and grievance procedures policies..maybe if they think you are going to complain about them they might realise you are serious.

Also, I would take your risk assessment to the GP to give you an exemption letter for the particular things you should not be doing!

Nice to know you have supportive employers!!

[Noah1981]

Contact citizens advice they have a duty of care to you now if anything happens to you it’s on there head inconsiderate twats this really gets my goat xx