Which of the following is NOT a valid reason for dismissal under employment law?

In employment law, certain reasons for dismissal are considered valid while others are deemed discriminatory and thus inappropriate grounds for termination. Dismissal due to pregnancy is one such reason that is invalid. Employment protections against discrimination based on pregnancy are established under laws such as the Pregnancy Discrimination Act. This legislation is designed to ensure that pregnant employees are treated the same as other employees in similar situations, safeguarding their rights during an important time in their lives.

The grounds for dismissal involving poor performance may be valid when an employee fails to meet the expectations of their role, provided that the employer follows proper procedures for evaluation and allows the employee the opportunity to improve. Similarly, reducing the workforce can be a legitimate business decision, often termed redundancy, where economic factors necessitate cuts in staff levels. Finally, refusal to work overtime can also lead to dismissal if such overtime is a required aspect of the job and the employee has no valid reason for refusal, such as a prior agreement or personal circumstances in line with legal protections.

Thus, termination based on pregnancy is prohibited and reflects a fundamental aspect of employment discrimination laws, making it an invalid reason for dismissal.