Hiya, I’m almost 22 weeks pregnant and been off sick for over 5 months with hyperemisis. It has only just started to ease and my sick note is due to end the next weekend.
I have used up all my sick leave entitlement now too. Therefore, any further sick leave will mean nil pay.
I feel much better to return to work (health and pregnancy wise) but very concerned about exposing myself, my unborn baby, and my parents (70+) who live with me too.
I work as a cashier in a retail bank (still open) and asked my manager if there is anything in place for me as a pregnant member of staff required to work.
I was told that this would be reviewed closer to my return date.
Meanwhile, I have been trying to research myself about my pregnancy rights during this pandemic and came across this:
maternityaction.org.uk/covidmaternityfaqs/health-and-safety-at-work/
**If they (employee) are not able to ensure you can work in a safe environment away from others, your employer must provide suitable alternative work (on the same terms and conditions) such as working from home. If there is no suitable alternative work and you are not able to do your job from home, your employer must suspend you on full pay. Failure to suspend you on full pay if there are increased risks of infection at your workplace may be pregnancy discrimination.
Alternatively, your employer can put you on furlough and claim 80% of your pay under the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme**
Obviously as a cashier, I cannot work from home.
Unless I’m wrong, the above suggests that I have the option to either be “suspended” or for Furlough.
Am I right?
Can anyone advise me what I can/should opt for (if offered)?
Hope someone can help.
Thank you