Work

[lookingfoxy]

here
I've posted in employement issues but am desperate for some advice, please help.

Maybe tell us what's wrong?

Ah sorry didn't see the link!

I agree with Ellypoo - you need to go to your doctor and get a line to specify you can't work afternoons. Is this down to morning sickness? He'll write something to that effect. Other than that I don't see any other options than being signed off tbh..

My work are pretty inflexible. Their attitude is I'm either well enough to work as normal or I'm signed off sick. So instead of the odd extra day working at home or slightly shorter hours that I would then make up even though i work way more than im contracted tooI have been signed off work sick with severe ms.
I would be honest with them but if they can't work around you then see gp

Thanks, ive got the docs in 20 mins.
Was signed off firstly for HG. I got the impression then that they thought I was at it (I have NEVER been off sick EVER for years for any reason, prior to this).
Now I am so exhausted come about 12 that I literally cannot function, I need to sleep. I have fell asleep at work!
My previous pregnancy was a dream, I skipped through it, this one has really knocked me for six.

Well I seen a different doctor to the one ive been seeing and she said basically tough and get on with it, that she couldn't put fatigue or exhaustion on a sick note. I told her I have fallen asleep and been sick due to tierdness when working with people.
I left the surgery in tears, I really don't know what to do now.

That's awful. Both your boss and the dr.

I'd go and see another doctor. Your boss should stopping an arse too. You're not being unreasonable at all, I was in a similar position to you and my boss worked it all round me. The stupid thing is they'll end up without you completely if you go off sick.

Wish I could be more useful but don't know the law. Do you have an HR dept? I was surprised by mine once in terms of how on my side they were, and willing to intervene

No, its a very small business, 3 in office and 5 of us out and about supporting people and thats basically it.
I might make an appointment with usual doctor, but what can they do if you can't put exhaustion/fatigue on a sick note?!

Well my gp has just signed me off. She put hg as reason.
I would phone and try to see if your usual gp can call you

Has your work done a pregnancy risk assessment for you yet? This is a legal requirement, and you should be involved in the process. You could bring up this issue then.
But anyway I would agree that you should see a more understanding GP - she doesn't seem to understand the concept of a 'fitnote' which is what it is now. You're not asking to be signed off sick (there's no such thing as a sick note any more), you're asking for a health professional to consider (and, hopefully, agree) that your working pattern be altered to accommodate your health needs.

Try contacting Maternity action. here

I havnt been in your position, but they were very helpful when I was having problems with other bits whilst pregnant

Hi, foxy, and sorry you're going through this. I've no experience of pg related work issues, but have had a note from a GP saying my work needed to accommodate fatigue and exhaustion. You can certainly put these symptoms down as reasons to alter working pattern or be signed off work - mine were related to a longterm health condition and yours are related to pregnancy (also a fairly long term health condition!) I think you should see your original GP as this isn't right. Also, your work cannot get rid of you for missed work due to pregnancy or fail to make accommodations for your pregnancy - the law is very clear on this. I know it won't feel like it now, but you've got clear rights in this situation. Backed up with documentation from your GP, your work is legally obliged to sort this out for you. Good luck.

I am going to phone doctors again, the last time I just called and my sick line was extended, the receptionist just emailed my normal gp and he left one at desk for me.
I'll call and say i've went back to work for a week and really not well enough and can I have a sick note? If he wants to see me first im sure he'll be more understanding or do me a fit note.
Ironically it seems to be women who are the worst at understanding how difficult this is (gp, boss).
I had a 'back to work' interview in a cafe, just really an informal chat whilst I was still off sick to bring me up to speed on the clients. Was texted after first day back to ask how I had got on, I replied that I had been sick whilst with client and heard nothing back.