Can my boss decide who I tell that I'm pregnant?

Question

I told my boss that I was pregnant at about 7 weeks; he has asked me not to inform him 'officially' until as late as possible (for his own reasons!).  I had my 12-week scan yesterday & a friend of mine accidentally told one of my colleagues that that was why I was having a day off; now my boss is trying to tell me that I shouldn't have allowed my colleague to find out about my pregnancy.  Does he have any right to dictate who I share my news with; specifically, is there any law pertaining to this matter?
Thanks in advance for your help!

? · Accepted Answer

Off course there is no law pertaining to who and when you tell anyone.

ivedoneitagain · Answer

Your boss has taken advantage of your good nature and he could be prosecuted because of it. The moment you told him you were pregnant he should have asked you to put it into writing and then instigated a risk assessment for you. He has a DUTY of CARE to protect you and your unborn child which he has failed to meet. Just go to him with a letter stating that you are expecting and how many weeks you are and then  wait for things to happen. Discus this with your midwife or clinic for more advice. You could go to the local environmental health office at your local council and discuss this with him/her but be warned if you do then you boss will get an official visit to ask why he did not act  when you originally told him you were 7 weeks. He cannot just choose to ignore the regulations.

This is not your problem. It is his.
Speak to some one face to face who can advise you better when they know all the facts.
DR, Nurse, Midwife, Union official, Citizens Advice Bureau, local council environmental health dept.

gail · Answer

If you are in the UK it is your obligation to inform your employer in writing of your pregnancy as soon as you are informed. It is then your employers obligation to complete a risk assessment based on the work you are doing to ensure nothing you are doing (or using) can harm you or your unborn baby
It is in everyones interest that you work with to know of your condition so that they can assist you if you get into any difficulties.
Your employer is in the wrong for asking you not to inform him officially until later but you (i'm afraid to say) are also in the wrong for not finding out what must be and what must not be done whilst your pregnant. I just hope you haven't been exposed to any substances.
Read this link it will inform you of everything you are entitled to and everything your boss must do...

http://www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/indg373.pdf

Jabberwocky · Answer

He has absolutely no right to tell you who can tell about the pregnancy. In fact, him asking you not to tell him officially til later is very suspicious. Maternity pay etc is based upon certain rules, one of which is that you inform your employer within a certain time - don't forget he also has to do a risk assessment for you as soon as you tell him. It sounds like he's up to something.

If I were you I would inform him in writing now that you are pregnant and keep a copy of the letter just to be on the safe side.

Katty · Answer

He has absolutley no right to dictate who you can and cannot tell!!!

I would explain to him that he has made you feel uncomfortable and ask him why he wishes you to keep it secret.  I would also explain that you are not ashamed to be pregnant!!!!

Anonymous · Answer

No he certainly doesn't have any right to dictate who you should tell and when. Before long it should be obvious enough anyway.

||♫Mya.F.Baby&lt;3♫|| · Answer

no.! 
that would piss me off..
he has no right to tell you who you can share your news with

april29jc · Answer

i don't think there is a law for this...
and that kind of counteracts the 'freedom of speech' part of our consitution

Can my boss decide who I tell that I'm pregnant?

8 Answers