Stress at work over maternity rights

Jo_R_2 · 1 February 2007 at 2:10PM

Hi all

Wihtout being too specific (sorry!) I'm having some trouble at work. I've just come back from maternity leave and human resources are proving to be very irritating!

Basically I have been asking to have particular maternity rights implemented, and so far I have obtained them through an amicable agreement with my manager. However when my manager raised some of my concerns with human resources, about the lack of facilities for new mothers, they came back with their line about what the law says... which is completely wrong!

As it stands, they haven't actually denied me anything. But I am due for a review regarding this with my manager and it's looking like we may have to further alter my working conditions, and I am now worried because the alternatives they are suggesting involve me dropping hours (and thus salary) which they're not supposed to do, or taking extra maternity leave (which as I took all my statutory paid entitlement means it would be unpaid leave.)

I can sense my manager starting to get slightly defensive. They have been great and really supportive, but the moment I countered what human resources had told her, they started saying that they wouldn't issue anything unless they had researched it thoroughly, and they are a big department of a national workplace so they will know what they're talking about etc.

However I know exactly what the law says and what I am entitled to and HR is wrong! What can I do? How can I put across diplomatically that HR are completely incorrect in what they are saying my rights are? This review is coming up soon and I am feeling more and more worried and it is really getting me down. I had terrible postnatal depression with my first child and I can feel the initial throes of it coming again. I don't want to be fighting a battle over a job I love, I just want to not have to worry about myself as a mother and my baby and get on with work.

cruella_de_vile · 1 February 2007 at 2:14PM

Can you not print off the relevant law that you are disputing with them and give them a copy?

zoezoe_3 · 1 February 2007 at 2:15PM

I am not sure we can really help unless you are specific.

Is this to do with flexible hours to accomodate breastfeeding ?

Zoe

Jo_R_2 · 1 February 2007 at 2:34PM

cruella - I have so far only spoken directly to my manager and once I started to tell her about the specific regulations, that was when they countered with HR knowing what they are talking about. I do however have these handy should I get to speak with HR, I haven't done so directly yet because I'm not sure where this would be the appropriate time and also, tbh I am so flipping angry with them!

Zoe - yes it is. I know exactly what I am entitled to, I have sought advice to confirm this from external bodies which I have told my manager also. The irony is that they're leaving themselves wide open to an accusation of being discriminatory if they actually put the things they have said into practice. I shouldn't be penalised for feeding my baby and the law says so!

However it's quite possible they will at my review they will still say I can express in the toilet (not a legal requirement to have somewhere to do so but it is recommended to have somewhere to be able to do this), I'm not entitled to anywhere to rest and lie down, and that if anyone complains about me not fulfilling my contracted hours that they will have to look at reducing my hours, or me taking more leave.

I'm so mad!

zoezoe_3 · 1 February 2007 at 3:10PM

Well they are wrong and they do have to accomodate you. If they are unable then that can suspend you on health and safety grounds, ON FULL PAY until you are no longer feeding.

I would simply let them make their offer to you. Ask them to put it into writing and then go and seek expert advice again. Dont get into an agrument with them and if you dont want to agree to their suggestions then dont. Make all your complaints in writing and keep copies.

It is a real shame that mothers are not given more help in this area and I do feel for you.

Zoe

Jo_R_2 · 1 February 2007 at 3:46PM

Thanks!

Yeah it is a real shame - when you think about it mummies have been feeding their babies since forever and when you try to carry on and work as well they act like the idea had never even occurred to them!

I will keep copies of everything, though not had need to write much so far as up until not long ago my manager had been quite agreeable about it all. But good idea, will do that.

I naively thought it would be fine and plain sailing!

zoezoe_3 · 1 February 2007 at 5:05PM

" However when my manager raised some of my concerns with human resources, about the lack of facilities for new mothers, they came back with their line about what the law says... which is completely wrong!"

Go on make my day. WHAT did they say !!???

r.mac_2 · 1 February 2007 at 5:10PM

zoezoe wrote:

Well they are wrong and they do have to accomodate you. If they are unable then that can suspend you on health and safety grounds, ON FULL PAY until you are no longer feeding.

I would simply let them make their offer to you. Ask them to put it into writing and then go and seek expert advice again. Dont get into an agrument with them and if you dont want to agree to their suggestions then dont. Make all your complaints in writing and keep copies.

It is a real shame that mothers are not given more help in this area and I do feel for you.

Zoe

I second this - think that zoe has given great advice.

Stress at work over maternity rights

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