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[HonorMatopoeia]

Hi ladiesand gents, I hope this makes sense as I've cut and pasted it from the due in october thread as I'm really worried about this and it's making me feel ill. I'm 18 weeks pg and Following a collapse on Sunday and the doctors telling me to take it easy, I've taken Monday off work, went in this morning till 1pm and I'm taking tomorrow off too - I only work Monday to Wednesday. Just spoken to my head who has said she'll need a sick note for this week as it is one end of half term? This in itself is fine, I've got an appointment to get a note tomorrow. Will the doctor backdate it till Monday and where do i stand having gone in for a half day today? Also she said she'd haveto have a word with me as this will effect my maternity leave - eh? I've checked all the information I have and as far as I can tell any absence on account of illness attributed to pregnancy is classed as ordinary sick leave if covered by a doctor's note. This only changes if you're within 4 weeks of your due date when maternity leave can be enforced.
Does anyone have any experience of this? She's worried me sick now saying we'll have to have this little chat. I wouldn't put it past her to try and enforce early maternity leave just to get me out the way. I really feel like crying why does she have to say these little vindictive things?

[HonorMatopoeia]

Pooh,forgot to add a title in my panicked state! Perhaps it should be called 'My cowbag boss and her issues'

[horace]

Hello there. Please don't worry your cowbag boss is talking shite. You don't need a GP note until you have been off sick for 7 days. You will need to complete a self certification form for work. Non of this will affect your Maternity pay so early on, unless you are off long term.

[HonorMatopoeia]

Thank you Horace, part of me knows she's talking crap but she just has this was of making it all sound so reasonable!

[Freckle]

Horace is right. Any pregnancy related illness is classed as ordinary sick leave and does not affect your maternity leave.

If your boss continues to make these comments, tell her that you might have to raise a grievance which might make her back off - especially if she knows she's talking out of her arse.

[HonorMatopoeia]

Thanks freckle, she doesn't know what she's talking about and that is what makes her dangerous. I've been through my documents with a fine tooth comb though and will go to see her armed with my info!

[horace]

she's not dangerous - just stupid. you really have nothing to worry about. If she raises it agian ask her to show you the regulations

[islandofsodor]

What she might mean is that being on sick leave may affect your maternity PAY, not leave. This is becasue your 90 part of the maternity pay is worked out according to your average weekly wage based around a set number of weeks known as your qualifying period.

Being on sick pay around that time will affect the calculations.

You need a sick note after 5 days sick by the way, not 7.

[HonorMatopoeia]

Will that still count if I've worked there for such a long time? When is your qualifying period?

[BetsyBoop]

Your employer will look at your gross earnings paid to you in a set period to work out your SMP - it doesn't matter how long you have worked there. This is usually the eight week period up to and including the 15th week before your expected week of childbirth. (The exact period your employer uses may vary depending on how often you are paid ? weekly, monthly etc.)

[HonorMatopoeia]

Sorry to harp on but she's got me really worried. If I have a sick note then I'm still being paid so even if I am sick during this period of 8 weeks she has to take that payment into account doesn't she?
ARRGGHHH -perhaps I'll just resign, may be easier!! Thanks for everyones patience

[HonorMatopoeia]

shameless panicked bump

[chocolatekimmy]

You need a GP note from the 8th consecutive day onwards. However you may have a company policy that forms part of your terms and conditions that insists on a GP note on other occasions - usually before/after a bank holiday or school holidays.

A GP would usually backdate a note if you explain however they can't do one for today if you were at work.

With regard to pay, gross earnings are used so only unpaid leave would affect that.

If there is an absence disciplinary policy, they shouldn't count pregnancy related absence as an occasion or use if for disciplinary.

She can't make you start maternity leave yet.

She sounds like a stupid insensitive bitch. See how the 'chat' goes and keep us posted. She needs to tread very carefully with you. If you are uncomfortable at all with what she is saying, tell her that you don't feel up to the meeting and can you adjourn for now then seek advice.

Whatever you do don't resign

[HonorMatopoeia]

chocolatekimmy you have just spoken so much sense (and not just the bit about her being insensitive!). Thank you, I thought this was all the case but had got myself so worked up thatI couldn't tell anymore. Will keep you up to date - possibly in a thread with a title!! I like the idea of adjourning the meeting if she starts to get up to her usual tricks.

[chocolatekimmy]

I hope things don't get awkward for you however they often do for people so I always suggest that you make detailed notes of converstions and meetings etc. Don't be afraid to jot things down during a meeting or to ask to take someone in with you.

Like I say, if you think its getting awkward or she is playing a game, seek an adjournment and get on the phone to ACAS 08457 474747 or back on here - even if its just for moral support

[BetsyBoop]

if you get paid sick leave then it won't affect your SMP calc.

Your employer can only start your m/l if you are sick with a pregancy related reason within the last 4 weeks before your due date.

check out this site before the meeting so you can educate your insensitive boss about what your maternity rights are

[HonorMatopoeia]

Thank you for your support and advice ladies, it is very much appreciated.I'll let you know what happens.