Got let go from my recent job because I’m pregnant

Was working at a Lawfirm for 5 weeks and I told my manager I’m 6 months pregnant and would be going on an annual leave from 10th of December, 2 weeks later she and I had conversation and she said that there’s no point of them keeping me until December if I’m going on a Maternity leave very soon. I was devastated and tried calling Human Rights service and Anti discrimination but I’ve been told they can’t do anything since the reason why I was let go is “for the company’s best interest” It’s sad because the cost of Living in Sydney is so expensive and unaffordable and this is the second time I was let go from being pregnant. This is pure discrimination and this is so sad that women has to go through this. I’m currently 7 months pregnant and due in December also currently living in Sydney and now jobless and desperate for a job but no one to run to. I’ve been depressed and I know my baby can feel it but I don’t know what to do. 💔

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Girl sue them, they fired you because you were pregnant

They definitely screwed you over. That is discrimination. They hired you pregnant, and you still have months before you’re due.

Unfortunately I cannot afford to sue a big lawfirm. I tried calling Human Rights and Anti Discrimination but they can’t do anything too. It’s a bit unfair but I don’t know what else to do.

I’d keep trying to contact them and tell them that it’s not fair for you to be treated this way.

Could you sue for unfair dismissal? Could you find a lawyer and organise a payment plan? If you go for any lawsuit and win, you could make your company pay your legal fees. It IS discrimination. I'm sorry you are going through this, OP.

https://unfairdismissalsaustralia.com.au/?gad_source=1&gclid=Cj0KCQjwjNS3BhChARIsAOxBM6p7sLVAMtGPlO_dKs0F_1696o3UpVWI-vHQkCSdTOQ7LLByGcSvdCkaAh3zEALw_wcB

So apparently, you need to have been employed for 6 months in order to claim unfair dismissal, but I would absolutely still reach out because they may be able to help. I'd also still reach out to a lawyer at least for a consult. It's disgusting that the company would do that to someone in this economy. Name and shame!

Although it’s illegal the same way it is in the U.K., unfortunately it still happens and unless you have money, most people can’t afford to sue these companies or take them to tribunal court. My friend got fired for being pregnant in Sept 2022, they are only just getting around to a tabled mediation hearing in Dec 2024. If the case isn’t settled, it doesn’t go to court until Jan 2026. My friend could only afford to take them to court as her dad is a millionaire and is funding her legal expenses which so far are £9k / $18,000 AUD. So yea by no means is it a short or cheap process. Do you have a govt benefits system in Australia? Not sure what else to suggest. Chin up mama, hopefully the silver lining will be that your next job will be an amazing one.

Unsure of the rules in Aus but I was also l let go at 20 weeks for being pregnant although that wasn’t the ‘reason’ they used. I was originally told that because I was only there for 7 months, I can’t sue. However, I found other advise and currently in the middle of a law suit. Definitely get a second opinion x

Thank you so much everyone! Appreciate all the support and answer! Unfortunately I can’t do anything about it since I was still under probation and won’t be able to get Paid Parental Leave from Centrelink. I’ve tried applying for any work from home jobs around SYDNEY/NSW/Australia but no luck… don’t know what I’m going to do now mainly suffering from depression atm

@Shainen I’m sorry you can message me if you need someone to talk to

@Shainen, have you applied to centrelink so you can get paid while you look for work?