redundancy

[sma75]

My wife is 16weeks pregnant and has just been told her job could be at risk which has caused a great deal of stress.
She understands that a consultation period is to take place from thursday to discuss the restructuring within the department she works in which also includes team leaders/supervisors. Obviously the Company (which we shall not name buts lets say its a huge pharmaceutcal one!!!!), has to reduce the workforce/headcount due to the current economic climate. What rights does she have at the moment? and if she has to apply for a job within the organisation how likely are they to accept someone who will be going on maternity in 6 months time? Advise would be greatly appreciated

[buildersmate]

In a strange way, your wife has a number of advantages over others. It is possible to make a pregnant lady redundant, but the redundancy must not be for any reason associated with the pregnency - it is automatically unfair under the employment legislation.
In practice this means that employers have to bend over backwards to ensure that pregnant employees (who they wish to make redundant) are treated scrupulously fairly.
If she is declared part of the redundancy pool and wishes to apply for internal transfer, she should have no qualms in applying.
She has the same rights as others, and indeed some employers may be tempted to get her preferential treatment in any transfers - for fear of falling foul of the law.

[sma75]

thanks for the previous advise!
Is the law different towards contract workers and permanent employee?
Basically reason why i'm asking is because my wifes employers are renewing contractors jobs whilst making permanent workers jobs redundant?

[angiebaby57]

This could be classed as constructive dismaissal as they still need someone to do the job! Does she have a union rep? It may be worth consulting an employment lawyer. You need to get hold of the company policy on redundancy and study it. Good luck to you both and tell her not to get to stressed as it is proven to be detrimental to the baby....