Making the cut
Question
I'm pregnant and have been working at the same place for nearly two years. They've just told us they need to cut back on staff. Can they decide to make me redundant because I'm pregnant? And how long can they take making the decision as to who goes?
Answer
Unfortunately, there is no set time for a company to inform people if they have been selected for redundancy. It can sometimes take a while for companies to make the selection and it's always possible they could decide not to make anyone redundant.
In making a decision as to who should be selected they must use objective criteria, such as 'first in, last out' or a 'skills matrix', and the company can't select you on the basis of your pregnancy as this could lay them open to a claim for sex discrimination at an Employment Tribunal.
If you are selected and decide that your pregnancy played a part in this decision it would be a good idea to contact your trade union, local CAB or local law centre to help make a start on your case because from the time you're made redundant you only have three months days to make an application to an Employment Tribunal. By getting legal advice you should be able to avoid problems with the time limit and make sure you can follow the correct procedures to ensure any case is not ruled out on procedural grounds.
For more information about sex discrimination in the work place you might like to look at the Equal Opportunities Commission website or talk to the conciliation service ACAS on 08457 474747.
You can also get information from the Employment Tribunals helpline on 08457 959 775 (9.00 am to 5.00 pm Monday to Friday).
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