Originally Posted by
Abigail
Regardless of your contract, you shouldn't be using any chemicals that could harm the baby. You shouldn't be doing potentially dangerous activities such as climbing any height, heavy lifting or any strenuous work. Your centre of gravity shifts during pregnancy which makes you more likely to lose your balance. You need a risk assessment in addition to the one that should already be in place to include the things I've mentioned. I would refuse to do any work until the assessment is conducted and to your satisfaction.
The change of job role without consultation is something I can't comment on as I'm not an employment expert. It could be that the additional precautions your employer needs to put in place is too much bother for them. If you did have a contract I would venture that the change of job role without consultation is a breach of contract on their part. Being pregnant obviously raises the issue of how much they legally have to pay you for maternity leave now that you're working less hours. It wouldn't be the first time an employer constructively dismissed a pregnant woman in order to avoid paying maternity allowance plus the cost of hiring a temporary replacement.