Need advice

[Kal87]

Hi,

I’m wondering for some advice!

I’m 29 weeks pregnant and I’m in an apprenticeship. I work quite far where I live and I also get the bus which makes my journey more tiring as I get up early! I start work at half 7 (I get up at half 5) and I finish work at 4pm I get home for just after half 5. I am really struggling at the moment with pains in the side of my belly I physically have no energy! I also have w rubbish sleep pattern where I’m going to sleep at 9pm and sleeping until 2am and then I can’t sleep from that time! It’s making me more tired throughout the day. I work in a men environment (only one other girl works in the office with me) and I work at w desk, however I suffer from really bad back problems as I’m uncomfortable in the chair and no risk assessments has been made after telling my employer I’m pregnant. I’m due to go on maternity leave in February. I want to take sick days or time off as just some days I struggle to get out of bed I’m finding it that hard and I’m worried that they will let me go because I’m absent. Can they do this to me? I think because I work in a men environment company no one really understands pregnancy and doesn’t see it as a reason to be off. (Before this they weren’t letting me go to appointments either so I always had to make them after work)!

Any tips on what I should do?

Any tips on how to sleep better at night?

[Seb9]

As an apprentice you're entitled to the same cover as a pregnant employee, you will have the same maternity rights.

maternityaction.org.uk/advi...

If you have any problems try calling ACAS, they are very helpful.

[Cjaythom]

Agree speak to ACAS I also work in a male environment as I’m an Engineer, all they usually need is information and to be kept in the loop. Some times they just don’t think. Find someone who has kids and is a good family man they usually have some empathy lol!

What type of Apprentice are you?

If you are struggling because of your chair etc then you need a work station assessment which is a legal requirement for everyone. Some companies do it as a online assessment.

As an apprentice you should have a mentor, get them on board.

In the meantime note down everything they say no too it’s amazing how employers don’t know what they should be allowing you to do. You will then be ready to talk to ACAS. But

Google pregnancy employees rights there are loads. Granted not necessarily paid time off but certainly time.

[Kal87 in reply to Cjaythom]

I work in an engineering company. I am a business admin apprentice however nearly finished and training in HR once back off maternity! I sit at a desk and the chair it’s making me uncomfortable, I have mentioned this to my mentor and we have mentioned this to my employer but still nothing done about it... I don’t really want to go on at them and bug them! Last thing I want to do is upsetting people. Hardly no one has kids so it’s hard to understand and my manager doesn’t. I just always feel bad about being off using sick days as everyone always complains about it while your not there!

[Cjaythom in reply to Kal87]

Don’t feel bad being off sick, if you’re off because you are in pain, but be careful as your HR policy might say you have to start Mat leave earlier.

Your nearly there!! Don’t feel you need to push right to the end. Totally get how tired you must be. I have now finished technically a month early as I didn’t want to go back for two weeks after Christmas lol!

I go in for c-section 2 weeks today eek! But boyo is really low so really glad I have finished.

I Also discovered an osteopath seriously worth the money if you can afford it! It’s amazing what your muscles are doing that you didn’t realise! That has helped with my sleep, but my sleep patterns are also all over the place I wonder if it’s linked to the type of sleep pattern bubs will have?

Be kind to yourself and don’t worry about what others think especially in work! You have years of working in front of you.

Take care!

[Kal87 in reply to Cjaythom]

Oh gosh 2 weeks! That will fly over good luck to you! Bet your super excited!

I’ve had Christmas holidays off and returned to work last Thursday. I don’t take my maternity until 7th feb. However, I have decided to self certify sick the rest of this week and going to my GP tomorrow for a sick note. I had emailed my manager at work and he has replied back with “ clearly you’re having problems which go over and beyond what we can support with” and has asked me to come into a meeting.

I love my job, and I love everything I do daily I’m just struggling because I’m pregnant I’m exhausted my iron levels are low I hardly sleep properly on a night. I’m not pregnant forever!! But the male environment I work in they don’t understand as they have never had a female work here before they didn’t even have a maternity policy!

I now worry that now because I’ve took sick time off that they going to use this against me and consider that I don’t continue with my job which is the worse now I have my first child to provide for. It just makes me stress more!

Thank you for your advice though it’s really helped me.

[Cjaythom in reply to Kal87]

If they do what you fear the law is on your side! Make sure you look after yourself x

Feb will be here before you know it.

However if all goes well, when you are back you can help them come up with a paternity and maternity policy as part of your HR training.

There’s lots of support out there don’t be afraid to use it.

Good luck!