Pregnant then screwed - This is a genuine website here in the UK due to how cocked up (see what I did there) the system is...
54,000 women are forced out of their jobs here in 'good old Blighty' due to being pregnant ever year and work place discrimination against pregnant women has apparently doubled in ten years. Basically - if you plan on having a child here, you can either be greeted with two potential outcomes dependant on who you are -
Men are congratulated (in having sex... well done you!) whilst...
Women spend the first 3-4 months of pregnancy in fear of........
- People finding out and telling your boss before you do
- You may actually lose the baby and will need days off sick (not to mention the days, weeks, months it will take to mentally come to terms with it)
- Trying to hide your morning sickness from your colleagues to avoid point 1
- The fear that should point 1 happen, the business may 'restructure' or find ways to make you obsolete.
Now if you are reading this as a woman (I hope) you'll be nodding to this anger or perhaps if you're reading else where in the world you may be shocked, or perhaps you're thinking 'First world problems sweetheart'. If anything, eventually I hope you are a bit pleased that this issue is being dragged out.... There is nothing that the British people and British government like more, is to be embarrassed! Stay calm and carry on and all...
If you are reading this as a man, you could be thinking a few things.
I'm not going to be an arrogant cow and pretend I know what is happening in your male head, but lets consider it this way - if, whoever you are, have a wife or girlfriend who you hope to have a child with, just consider how you would feel if her career will be in turmoil because she loves you so much to make an awesome little person with you...
...pretty bullshit right?
You may think 'but she doesn't have to work, I'll take care of her' which is very noble of you, but doesn't really resolve the matter that the mother of your children will be pushed out of her career due to pushing your child out of her delicate area (that's going to hurt enough as it is!)
The stress also placed on these women who face losing their jobs due to pregnancy is horrific - losing a child is something I would never wish upon anyone - it's heartbreaking and when you lose a child due to stress you are at higher risk of depression as you mentally beat the shit out of yourself for allowing the world to physically destroy your happiness.
So I for one will be joining this campaign. Not only is it for women to be protected from unfair dismissal, but equally calls for MEN in the UK to be financially able to spend more time off work (up to 3 months 90% pay) and with their children during the first few months of their lives.... (much better than the current £139 per week for 2 weeks!)
So UK readers and those further afield, please join this campaign http://pregnantthenscrewed.com/campaign-and-sign-up .... Help the career-driven, intelligent women in the UK avoid being 'fired' for simply deciding to do the one job they want more than anything in the world...
....failing that, drop us a like or follow and I will keep you updated!
OB x