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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

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Original poster

Pregnant, not allowed to eat at my desk

115 replies

elm26 · 22/02/2023 10:29

Our manager is well known for having what we call "one of her days" where she gets picky with us.

I work in a team of 17 in an office and have my own desk. I'm 26 weeks pregnant and already working reduced hours as I've suffered hyperemesis since 6 weeks.

Today, she's announced that none of us are allowed to eat at our desks any longer as one banana skin was left in one of the bins overnight and she's told us about this and it makes her feel sick.

I've explained to her in private that if I don't pick/nibble at dry crackers at my desk I will be sick. It's the only thing that stops it. I'm still not allowed to eat.

She's refused my mat b1 form and wants the original which my midwife told me not to give as they can't issue another one if it gets lost, I offered a photocopy but she wants the original one.

What can I do in this situation???

OP posts:

IMustDoMoreExercise · 22/02/2023 14:51

elm26 · 22/02/2023 13:06

I don't know if it definitely was.

It's not my job to tell people what they can and can't do, I'm not a manager. I get paid to do my work and then go home.

If I saw somebody about to do it I'd obviously remind them to save them getting in trouble but I'm not going to police the bins.

Show quote history

And yes, you aren't the manager but the manager won't tell new starters so surely it makes sense for someone else to do it so that you all have an easier life? It will only take a minute each time you have a new starter.

monitor1 · 22/02/2023 14:51

I think you do have to hand over your original Mat B1 - you can keep a copy for yourself

Trixielo · 22/02/2023 14:52

She’s a total control freak! And I’ve never heard of anyone hoovering the office each evening! Glad you’ve got permission to eat OP and hope the rest of your pregnancy goes well without too much puking.

doadeer · 22/02/2023 14:54

What can she do if you eat the cracker, she sounds like an absolute tyrant. I would keep eating them and say it you don't you're going to vomit. You poor thing

gritdiamond · 22/02/2023 14:56

Maybe throw up on her desk and see what she prefers

OutofEverything · 22/02/2023 15:04

I would personally just let everyone know in the office that you are really sorry but you need to eat to stop yourself being sick. You have explained that but she still refuses to let you eat.
Then I would just let myself be sick. If she does not like a banana skin in a bin I wonder how she will feel about vomit?
I would also be collecting evidence for a pregnancy discrimination suit - contact Pregnant and Screwed for advice.

sianiboo · 22/02/2023 15:07

I banned bananas from our small office when I was a manager, as one of the staff kept bringing in banana sandwiches, and as we didn't have a fridge, by the time lunchtime came around they stank to high heaven...and he didn't have manners enough not to eat them in the office!

Even now the smell of bananas makes me hurl. Haven't been able to eat one since, and that was 35 years ago!

Saying 'no smelly food - no curries, no chilli, no fucking bananas' would have made more sense in this situation.

Thatcatisdrivingmenuts · 22/02/2023 15:09

It doesn't matter what you like, @sianiboo : the law is the law.

HedgeWitchy · 22/02/2023 15:16

Just eat them, explain why, calmly carry on. It’s fuss and noise

SallySunrise · 22/02/2023 15:24

If there's a radiator in her office hide an old banana down in.

lieselotte · 22/02/2023 15:51

monitor1 · 22/02/2023 14:51

I think you do have to hand over your original Mat B1 - you can keep a copy for yourself

Yes I think this is true. I handed over my original Mat B1, anyway.

lieselotte · 22/02/2023 15:54

Gosh she really does sound like my old boss. With people like that you have to put everything in writing to protect yourself.

Catspyjamas17 · 22/02/2023 16:01

Just tell her to do one. There are other jobs and sacking you while pregnant is not a good look. If she makes trouble, join a union and get them to kick her arse.

roarfeckingroarr · 22/02/2023 16:20

elm26 · 22/02/2023 10:29

Our manager is well known for having what we call "one of her days" where she gets picky with us.

I work in a team of 17 in an office and have my own desk. I'm 26 weeks pregnant and already working reduced hours as I've suffered hyperemesis since 6 weeks.

Today, she's announced that none of us are allowed to eat at our desks any longer as one banana skin was left in one of the bins overnight and she's told us about this and it makes her feel sick.

I've explained to her in private that if I don't pick/nibble at dry crackers at my desk I will be sick. It's the only thing that stops it. I'm still not allowed to eat.

She's refused my mat b1 form and wants the original which my midwife told me not to give as they can't issue another one if it gets lost, I offered a photocopy but she wants the original one.

What can I do in this situation???

They can issue another MATB1. I had to get one after HR lost mine.

tattygrl · 22/02/2023 16:29

Today I learnt that bananas are considered a smelly food!! 😄

Admittedly there was a room at my old workplace that had a rancid smell that I could only ever describe it as pungent bananas. I associate that smell only with over-ripe ones left in a room too long, though.

Anyway, OP, well done!! I hope your sickness clears up soon.

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