AIBU to be considering leaving my job?

[Esmee89]

I work in mental health and at the moment we have a couple of patients who are quite unpredictable and (at times) violent. I don't feel our unit is equipped to manage these risks and, despite the fact I've raised my concerns a number of times, nothing seems to change.

My manager is aware I'm pregnant (10 and a half weeks) but has said he won't do a risk assessment until 12 weeks. In the mean time I am regularly in situations where I feel unsafe. There are also a lot of other challenges such as regular patient drug use and rat infestation/bad smell where they are dying because of the traps (not ideal for morning sickness!!)

I'm also currently dealing with a lot of stress outside work with unwell family members who I am supporting.

All of this together is adding up to a lot of stress. Me and my husband have talked it through and we can afford for me to be out of work until I find something else - even a temp job I can do before the baby comes.

Does this all sound reasonable or am I just blowing things out of proportion?!

How long have you been there? You'll lose any maternity pay you could otherwise get wouldn't you?

I've only been in this job a short time (4 months) but I've worked in mental health for a couple of years. Yes this would mean I'd lose any maternity but even if I stuck at it for another 6 months (which honestly at this point feels dire to think about) I would have to commit to coming back for at least 3 months after the maternity leave. Not sure how I'm going to feel after that amount of time considering the prospect of going back in tomorrow after the weekend is making me feel sick

Can yup speak speak your doctor about your work situation? They may suggest X only duties or recommend Y
Or sign you off until these are in place

Sorry you are having to deal with all of this OP.

Are you NHS? If yes and you can transfer to another NHS post then you could consider a different job. To loose NHS mat pay would be a lot of money. You may not get another job while you are pregnant and almost certainly wouldn't qualify for anything other than SMP in your new employment.

Can't you get your GP to sign you off with stress until you get your 12 week assessment? I'm usually not a fan of getting sick notes, but working in MH is extremely stressful and challenging and under the circumstances, in this case (aside from the stresses you have at home) I'd go down that route.

TBH I wouldn't work in any job where I regularly felt unsafe. Your employer won't care be handing out any awards for loyalty if you stay and damage either your own or your babies health or wellbeing.

Yes NHS. I'm actually working on a unit that should be low-risk so any movement of my role to elsewhere in the trust would likely be a higher risk environment. You're right though the mat leave would be a huge loss if I was to leave and that's one of the reasons I'm so unhappy but still debating what to do.

I'm also not a fan of going off sick but my mum's also recommended I go to my GP tomorrow and get some time off as it's really getting on top of me at the moment. I guess that could be a good middle ground for now?

It sounds bloody horrendous. I don't think I could cope with that at 10 weeks pregnant.

Only you know if you can afford to leave...seeing the GP tomorrow does seem like a good middle ground for now, and I'm also not a fan of going off sick.

Is there a magic switch at 12 weeks for pregnancy risk assessments? I thought it was as soon as you inform them in writing.

I'd go the GP as well, your health and your baby's health are paramount at the moment. Workplace stress is not good for pregnancy.

Go and see your GP and get signed off. It doesn’t matter what you tell him as he long as he puts pregnancy related on the sick note. Check your policy but if it’s like the LA time off for pregnancy can’t be counted against you. Go back when they have a suitable risk assessment in place or after 29 weeks because your maternity allowance can start here.