Pregnancy, the Economy, and Your Jobby Pattie Hughes | More from this Blogger 16 Mar 2009 08:17 AM The current economic recession/depression has many people worried about their future job security. This includes pregnant women, who may worry about their health insurance and maternity leave benefits as well as the job. A recent study suggests pregnant women may actually be most at risk of losing jobs during a recession. The study was conducted at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem. The study's author looked at this and past recessions in collecting data about employment for pregnant women in times of economic hard ship. During difficult times, pregnant women may be seen as a 'weak link' or easily fired. Sometimes employers justify laying off a pregnant worker because the person won't be there much longer. They figure that if she is leaving, whether permanently or for a leave, she is the obvious choice to be let go. The result is that in many companies, the pregnant women are the first to feel the recession. While some employers may feel this makes sense, it remains against the law. Federal law prohibits firing a woman due to pregnancy. If you are fired as a result of your pregnancy, you can sue the company for lost salary and benefits. The fact is the archaic idea that mothers don't need to work can't be used to terminate an otherwise good employee. The problem comes in trying to prove discrimination or that pregnancy was the reason for the firing. This is especially difficult considering that the company is laying off other workers as well. The best way to protect your job and prove your case in the event you are wrongfully terminated is to document your performance at work and work hard. Keep records of your annual performance reviews, any letters of commendation, awards or other communication that shows your value to the company. Keep copies at home, so you are prepared in the event you are let go. Continue to go to work every day and do a good job. The best thing you can do to insulate yourself or prove your case later, if necessary, is to be a stellar employee. Related Articles: Pregnancy Discrimination Complaints on the Rise What to do if You Face Pregnancy Discrimination When You Have to or Want to Work After Baby Learn more about Pattie Hughes  Pattie Hughes is a freelance writer and mother of four young children. She and her husband have been married since 1992. Pattie holds a degree in Elementary Education from Florida Atlantic University. Relevantpregnancy tags User Comments  Realtalktime (170) 16 Mar 2009 09:29 AMGood information to know. Thanks! :) I'll be sure to pass this on. http://realtalk-time.blogspot.com/  PregnantTimes (15) 24 Mar 2009 07:07 AMIt's really bad some of the reasons pregnant women get the ax and you are right it remains against the law but one problem is a lot of women just don't do anything about it because some think that to prove discrimination is going to cost them or they just don't know enough about it. Some don't even know they can do something about it. Thanks to your articles maybe it will help some that don't know much about it. Thanks Community Tags babies, depression, family, recession, stress Discuss this article
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