So I have about 8-9 weeks left in work before I go off on maternity leave. I'm on my feet the whole day, working full time. Risk assessment never officially done, just random chats every 6 weeks or so but nothing actually in writing. I've pushed for this and they keep saying they'll do one but never do.
Anyway, whole pregnancy has been unproblematic ish. Until recently. I have debilitating pelvic pain (been referred to physio but taking a bit longer than expected). I'm wearing a support belt and doing everything I can like exercises etc but I just don't know how the hell i'm going to carry on like I am in work, it's getting worse every day.
I've notified work of this and reminded them I needed reasonable adjustments to be made. I've suggested some short breaks to be factored in to my day, to be based at one particular station and to be provided with a stool that reaches the worktop so I can sit down. They said they'll figure it out not to worry etc.. that was 2 weeks ago. HR is based in another country, there's a UK member but they haven't been helpful.
Today I've gone in at breaking point, and spoke to my manager. He's said the following:
I can't have any breaks unless they're unpaid and it would be limited to 2 x 10 minute breaks per shift.
He can't provide me with a high stool so I can sit down and do my job as there's not a section in his funding for this as the norm is to stand.
He basically said I need to carry on doing what I'm doing as he can't change the job for me. Which is a bullshit cop out. He then smiled and said 'if there's anything else you need- let me know!'
So I told him in that case I'd have to go home, I'm in agony and can't work like that. He said that's fine and reminded me I wouldn't be paid and that he'd see me tomorrow if I was 'better' 🙃 I'm fuming, surely this is immoral and illegal. My job only pays statutory sick pay so it's not even like I can just get signed off.
I'm sitting here thinking how the hell am I going to work tomorrow. What the hell do I do. Was I out of line or was he?