Everybody's Uncle

I don't know if this is the right place to ask but here goes. I've only been working with my new employer four weeks. I love the job very much but I have just found out that I am pregnant. I would like to keep my job but will my employer have the right to dismiss me. I am a bit concerned as I all ready have two children to look after and I am a single parent.

(Unsigned)

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Dear Pregnant and Confused,

Pregnancy, ordinarily, is not cause for dismissal. However, terms of employment may include a trial or probationary period (perhaps six weeks or six months) after which permanent employment is decided.

If you have signed a "Conditions of Employment" agreement or if the company has a public policy regarding conditions of employment, please read and/or consider.

It is not likely that an employer will site pregnancy as the reason for dismissal (for fear of a lawsuit), but other factors might be sited to provide legal cover.

In all cases try to sense the mindset and priorities of other parties. How responsible do you appear to your employer? Did you seek employment for maternity benefits? What impact does your pregnancy have on the company's insurance premiums? Would it be better to bring the situation up for discussion or wait until you show?

You have to make a choice between a possible legal finesse and an honest discussion with the employer.

Good luck,

Everybody's Uncle