A former waitress at Coco’s has taken the South Perth riverside restaurant to the Fair Work Ombudsman, claiming she was denied shifts because she was pregnant after a manager told her to go home because she looked “disgusting”.

Former casual staff member Nikki Taylor is claiming breaches of workplace laws and compensation for lost earnings and non-economic loss, including stress and humiliation.

Her statement of claim, which will go before the Federal Circuit Court next month, details how Ms Taylor, who was in her late 20s, had worked at the restaurant since early 2016. She told the restaurant in April 2017 she was pregnant.

In July, with her baby bump growing, Ms Taylor said restaurant manager Abdel Wahid Tajeddine was not happy, telling supervisor Michael Audrain to “send Ms Taylor home . . . because she looks disgusting”.

On another occasion in July, it is alleged Mr Tajeddine directed the supervisor to cancel Ms Taylor’s shift, making references to the effect of her pregnancy on her appearance and ability to perform her duties.

The waitress allegedly informed Jewel Bay management in writing about her concern that the cancellation of her rostered shifts was because she was pregnant.

She claims she did not receive a response.

“Ms Taylor suffered non-economic loss and damage, including loss of enjoyment of employment, stress, anxiety and suffering, and hurt, humiliation and inconvenience,” the claim states.

Camera Icon Former Coco's waitress Nikki Taylor is claiming compensation for lost earnings and non-economic loss, including stress and humiliation. Credit: File.

Fair Work Ombudsman Sandra Parker says the alleged conduct was “particularly serious”.

“It is the responsibility of employers to ensure that they are aware of their obligations under workplace laws, and that they treat workers fairly,” she said.

Jewel Bay, the company that owns Coco’s, faces penalties of up to $63,000 for each contravention and Mr Tajeddine faces penalties of up to $12,600 for each contravention if found guilty.

“We have no comments whatsoever to make other than we deny the allegations,” Coco’s owner Ian Love said yesterday.