How much time off sick can I take......

[Poshpaws]

...before I have to go on mat leave?

I should be going on mat leave in 4 weeks, but am so knackered today that I am at home (34 weeks pg).

However, as I do not qualify for SMP, I was trying to work for as long as possible. Unfortunately, I might not make it, unless I can have a few days 'official' rest.

I thought that if you took more than a week, you would automatically be classed as being on mat leave. Can someone please confirm?

TIA

[milliways]

Can your doctor sign you off - with a sick note surely you are covered? Ask your midwife for advice. Hope you feel better soon.

[darlingbud]

I'm not sure exactly but I was off sick for three weeks before my mat leave started.

[PiccadillyCircus]

I think when you're 34 weeks, if you're off for a pregnancy related reason, your employer can make you start your maternity leave. I don't think that length of time off has anything to do with it (I am currently 16 weeks pregnant and have been off for 4 weeks).

The website TIGER has lots of information about maternity leave etc.

[PiccadillyCircus]

Got it wrong, it's from when you're 36 weeks that you could have to start maternity leave.

Maternity Alliance

You may have to scroll down the page a bit; it's under Can I take sick leave during pregnancy?

[Piccalilli]

It doesn't matter how long you're off (up to 36 weeks when any absence can trigger your mat leave) but if you're off for 7 days or more you'll need a doctor's certificate (as with any kind of sick leave)

[tigi]

i was off two months with a bad back, but I went back for a few weeks before i started ML. Also a diff pregnacy I bled a lot, and didnt work from 16 weeks to 34 when i started ML. not sure if rules are diff now (that was 1999)

[Poshpaws]

Sorry it's taken me so long to reply - thanks.

Am feeling better, but will consider taking time off when needed. Baby more important than work .

[starshaker]

i didnt qualify for smp but i did for maternity allowance i had a difficult pregnancy andwas off from about 8 wks pg right till i took maternity leave if u have worked for 6 months in the past 18 months i think it is u qualify for maternity allowance its worth giving the social security office a call just to find out

[dejags]

I work fora very big organisation and was booked off sick at 25 weeks for four weeks. This worked out very well because apparently the company you work for can make you start maternity leave if you have pregnancy related sick leave anytime after your 29th week i.e. 11 weeks before your due date.

HTH