IPSWICH Buses is facing allegations of unfair dismissal today after claims a pregnant bus driver was sacked for taking time off work. Ann-Marie Geaves, 20, of Dunlin Road, Ipswich, was a driver for nine weeks but says she was forced to take 11 days off due to morning sickness and stress.

IPSWICH Buses is facing allegations of unfair dismissal today after claims a pregnant bus driver was sacked for taking time off work.

Ann-Marie Geaves, 20, of Dunlin Road, Ipswich, was a driver for nine weeks but says she was forced to take 11 days off due to morning sickness and stress.

"They sacked me because my attendance was not brilliant but it's not my fault I've had time off because I'm pregnant, said the former St Albans High School pupil.

"Another reason I was off work is because of stress. My fiancée is out in Iraq and the only way I can keep in contact is through blueys and I don't get them very often."

For Miss Geaves, who is four months pregnant, her dismissal was particularly heartbreaking because it was the first job since leaving school that she had truly enjoyed.

"I really enjoy driving and so I saw the job advert, applied and then got the job. They knew I was pregnant when they employed me," said Miss Geaves, who was fired on May 2.

The dismissal caps a traumatic few months for Miss Geaves, whose fiancee, Julian Long, 27, of Halliwell Road, Ipswich, is still serving in Iraq. He is part of the 202 Squadron based in Yarmouth Road in the town.

She said: "I didn't find out I was pregnant until he was in Germany. He feels really guilty for being out there and not being able to do anything for me. I don't even know when he's coming back."

The case is being investigated by the Transport and General Workers Union and a spokesman today confirmed the issue was ongoing.

"We're aware of the case and we're going to launch an appeal. We're not convinced procedures were adhered to," she said.

A spokesman for Ipswich Buses confirmed an appeal was pending but refused to comment on the case until it is finalised.

The internal appeal against her dismissal is being heard on May 29. Miss Geaves' union representative will accompany her at the hearing.

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