Work problem

caeler

I think ohreally makes an important point, rights need to be exercised but this may cause further problems. I think you will have to decide what you need for your health and your family. Employer reactions can sometimes be odd despite having rules to follow.

It sounds like in a few weeks you'll be looking to start maternity leave anyway so it sounds like your employer needs to sort out this situation sooner rather than later. If your all very busy it doesn't sound like redundancy is being planned, perhaps genuinely you and your small team are irreplaceable?

An option could be to let your employer know that whilst you've tried to accommodate their temporary request to work longer hours your not able to so your going to revert back to working your contractual hours. Don't ask for permission, just politely let them know and start doing it. They may prefer you to work longer hours but hopefully once you explain that the excessive hours are making your poorly whilst pregnant I'd like to think they'd back off and support what is best for your wellbeing. (Any reasonable employer would).

Have you spoken to your line manager about the plans for finding sick and maternity leave cover for the team? Perhaps it is worth asking.

Good luck - I hope you find a solution.

zzzLazyDaisy

OP, please can you provide the following information:

1 when did you start working for this company?
2 have they carried out a risk assessment in relation to your pregnancy?
3 does your contract contain a clause saying something like 'you are required to work [time and days] but you may be required to work such extra hours as the needs of the business dictate ? (this may be under 'hours' or ' overtime' or somewhere else in the contract)
4 have you raised your concerns with your GP?
5 does your company operate a company sick pay scheme?
6 does your company have a formal written grievance procedure
7 when are you planning to go on maternity leave and have you notified your employer?