Advice needed

[Kal87]

Hi,

I’m 32 weeks pregnant tomorrow. And i am finding it hard to go to work or even getting out of bed some days. I feel physically exhausted and struggling to cope. I sit at a desk 8 hours a day which makes me uncomfortable and I suffer bad pains in my back because I sit for so long. I’m finding it harder to be at a computer screen all day long. I feel stressed with work just because of the way I get treated, they make you feel like your work what you do isn’t good enough. I have also a lot of pressure to finish my course work for my level 3 before I go on maternity on Friday 7th feb.

Is it worth going to a GP for a sick note? Will this effect my maternity pay?

[Tiddly1984]

Hi, sorry you’re having such a tough time. At 32 weeks any absence won’t affect your ‘maternity pay as your ‘qualifying period which is the period in which your maternity pay is calculated has passed. However, If you’re sick in the last 4 weeks before your due date, your employer can make you start your maternity 4 weeks early.

If it’s getting too much for you I would definitely recommend seeing your GP for a sick note. Any sick days which are pregnancy related can’t be used against your for disciplinary purposes. Good luck...x

[Kal87 in reply to Tiddly1984]

Thanks for this.

I emailed my work last night explaining in self certifying myself this week and I’m going to see a GP tomorrow for a sick note. I explained I just needed time to recover as I’m just physically exhausted and drained and with me not sleeping properly and having low iron levels it’s just not helping me at all as I just feel crap!

They have replied to me asking for me to come in for a meeting because they think the problems I am having go over and beyond what they can do to support...

[Tiddly1984]

Good. Sounds like you need a break just make sure that your sickness is clearly related to your pregnancy.

An employer also has a duty to do a risk assessment if required and to make reasonable adjustments where pregnant women are concerned. That might be little things like desk adjustment, allowing you to work from home or more flexibly in terms of lighter duties. Doesn’t sound to me like you’re asking for much apart from needing time off which your doctor can authorise. Don’t let them bully you as you’re well protected at this time. They can also refer you to occupational health who makes workplace recommendations after talking with you. I found mine to be extremely understanding and helpful.

I now work from home one day per week, finish a couple hours early some days and no longer complete home visits as I’m a social worker.

Definitely get a sick note and perhaps ask your doctor to make working recommendations. Mine recommended flexible working as did the occupational health clinician.

Good luck.