Work stress - off sick while pregnant

[Nurse1980]

Hi,

Just looking for advice really.

I was in hospital for 4 days last week with pre term labour. My GP signed me off until Monday to go back on phased return and light duties.

I spoke to Occ health and they do not want me to go back to work while I am still having Contractions/tightenings. They have spoken to a midwife who advises I stay off work.

Now my boss has just rang saying she us going to speak to HR about mr having to start my mat leave at 28 weeks and this particular Occ health nurse is know for being a soft touch and people can wrap her round their little finger so they don't have to come back to work?!

I'm so angry. I am def correct that they can't make me start my mat leave, I can believe how unsupportive they are being at work.

My boss is saying my GP has said I'm ok to come back to work and I don't have to listen to Occ health as they just advise?

 

[blondey]

This is quite helpful hun:

https://www.maternityaction.org.uk/sitebuildercontent/sitebuilderfiles/sicknessduringpregnancymaternityleave.pdf

xx

 

[gingajewel]

If you are off sick 4 weeks before you are due off on maternity leave then this will automatically trigger maternity leave. However before this they cant make you take maternity - if you are off sick, you are off sick!

If your boss talks to your HR department then they will prob tell your manager the same thing Xx

 

[bookreader]

Maybe someone can help me too?

I was signed off sick from 18th June for 3 weeks, then i was taking 3 weeks holidays then matt leaving which starts day before baby is due.

My work is saying that as one of the weeks i am signed off is in my last 4 weeks before baby is due, that my matt leave starts now on 26th June.

I get they can start it due to me being off in the last 4 weeks, but 3 of those are holidays, does anyone know if they are allowed to do this?

 

[nugget80]

not sure... if you are still signed off after 36 weeks then they can legally force it as mat leave could you use holiday at the other end of mat leave? if not they still have to pay you for any holiday they owe... for op they can't enforce early mat leave unless you are off sick and over 36 weeks...

 

[Kyliem87]

As far as I know they can only force maternity leave at 36 weeks. Until then, as long as you get a doctors note, there is nothing they can do. I was on sick October-December and then used all annual leave entitlement instead to take me up to the 12th Feb and gave birth on the 19th. You need to stand your ground, find legislation on maternity rights and not let them push you in to something that a) you don't want and b) they have no right to do

 

[Nurse1980]

Thanks for the advice.

I spoke to my boss today, she is referring me to HR as I've been off sick for 4 weeks almost!