Long term sick whilst pregnant

[suzanne108]

OK so I'm majorly confused about this...I rang Acas yesterday and got the most horrible unhelpful woman. I'm going to try ringing them again and hopefully I'll get a different person! So I thought I'd ask here anyway...

I'm nearly 29 weeks pregnant and off work on long term sick for "work related stress".

I have a problem with my heart which is not being helped by pregnancy so for me to be stressed is a BIG no no....anyway doctor wants to sign me off work until maternity leave starts but she's asked me to find out a bit of info first as she doesn't want me to be disadvantaged.

I'm worried about work forcing my maternity leave...which I know they can only do from 36 weeks pregnant but I read this yesterday...

You may start an employee's SML as soon as she is absent from work for a pregnancy-related reason. You can only do this if the absence is after the beginning of the fourth week before the EWC, but before the date she notified you that she intended to start her leave.

In these circumstances, her SML will begin the day after the first day of her pregnancy related absence.

Note that you should treat as normal:

any non-pregnancy-related sickness absence after the beginning of the fourth week before the EWC
any sickness absence before the fourth week before the EWC

EWC = Expected Week of Childbirth
SML = Statutory Maternity Leave

The bit that worries me if that SML will begin the day after the first day of the absence. Does this mean the first day within the 4 week period?? So in my case would the "first day" be the day I am 36 weeks pregnant, or would it be Friday last week which was my first sick day but I was only 29 weeks pregnant. ?????

Also....I do realise my sick note doesn't state a pregnancy related illness, but the woman at Acas explained that work could TRY and get away with it.

Help anyone....PLEASE!

 

[Dream.A.Dream]

It'll be the first day within those 4 weeks. So when you're 36 weeks

Can I ask what website you got that info from? (I'm having the same problem, I'm signed of with excessive pregnancy vomiting) xx

 

[suzanne108]

https://www.businesslink.gov.uk/bdo...1080898273&r.l2=1080898061&topicId=1080898061

Thats a good website, I found it the best after thorough googling!!

 

[daddy.danno]

https://www.businesslink.gov.uk/bdo...1080898273&r.l2=1080898061&topicId=1080898061

Thats a good website, I found it the best after thorough googling!!

Very good website, also the direct.gov website is another strong source of info.
Dont let the stress get to you, work will be covered by your certificate.
Relax, Enjoy the pregnancy.
and most of all
Good luck in the futre

 

[suzanne108]

Thank you