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Pregnancy

Talk about every stage of pregnancy, from early symptoms to preparing for birth.

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Original poster

Pregnancy and work

15 replies

puddeycat · 16/08/2013 20:47

Anyone been put on light duties or suspended on full pay because they couldn't full fill their duties?
I'm 21 weeks pregnant and a London bus driver. Im beginning to find driving exhausting and sitting still for so long ( sometimes 3-4 hours at a time) is giving me back pain and tummy aches. If I get a doctors note, would they have to find me other work?or would they suspend me?

OP posts:

K8eee · 16/08/2013 20:56

Hi puddeycat, surely suspending you because you're pregnant is illegal? They can find you other tasks to do in your workplace; maybe some office work and filing? At least you'll be gently moving around! Hope you get a definite answer though! Congrats by the way

cravingcake · 16/08/2013 21:00

Being pregnant protects you from normal procedures, they would have to find suitable alternatives for you like reducing the shifts you do or office work and keep your pay the same.

redandyellowandpinkandgreen · 16/08/2013 21:32

They could medically suspend you if there was no other work or adjustments they could make to your role.

Rockchick1984 · 16/08/2013 22:58

With a Dr's note its basically telling them what you can or cannot do. They can either accommodate that, or if they are unable to accommodate it you will be signed off as sick leave and paid in accordance with normal sickness policy. Pregnancy related sickness cannot be counted with general sickness for disciplinary / trigger points.

PastaBeeandCheese · 17/08/2013 06:46

That sounds hard work. Just be aware that if you are signed off sick for any significant period they can transfer you to maternity leave at the earliest point ie 29 weeks.

I'd see if there are any adaptations they can make for you.

Rockchick1984 · 17/08/2013 07:55

Pasta they can't make you start maternity leave due to sickness until 34 weeks, not 29 :)

CheeseFondueRocks · 17/08/2013 09:20

It's 36 weeks actually. Before that, they can't trigger ML.

Also, if your work can't alter your duties to be suitable, it's suspension on full pay, not sick pay as you wouldn't be ill, your job would just not be suitable for a pregnant woman.

Emmabombemma · 17/08/2013 10:18

Yes it's 36 weeks now, the rules changed in 2012. Also agree they can't put you on sick pay unless you're signed off sick.

BranchingOut · 17/08/2013 10:24

The first stage is a pregnancy risk assessment. Have you had this done?

PseudoBadger · 17/08/2013 10:24

It's likely to be better approached from the Pregnancy Risk Assessment angle. So this would highlight what risks you are exposed to and how they are affecting you. Shouldn't need a doctor's note. If they can't find you suitable work then yes you basically should get paid regardless. A good example would be working in extreme heat (do you drive the 24 new Routemaster by any chance ) which would be unacceptable.

PseudoBadger · 17/08/2013 10:29

There's lots on google (sorry I'd link but DS is demanding this morning...):

"You must be offered suitable alternative work on similar terms and conditions if you cannot do your usual job because you are pregnant. If you are offered an alternative job on less favourable terms and conditions then you could argue that the alternative job is not suitable. If a suitable alternative job cannot be found, you can be suspended on full pay whilst you are pregnant."

oscarwilde · 17/08/2013 10:29

OP other posters have advised you on your rights. All I would say is be careful what you wish for. If time in the depot office appeals then this could be a good opportunity for you but if the location is inconvenient or the work dull, you will be stuck with it.
Just want to gently point out that you are pregnant and while I know nothing about the rigours of driving a bus, you are probably going to get back pain regardless. Has anyone done a health assessment on your cabin space? Can you take more breaks or are you on a run end to end for 3-4 hours?
Check your policy, they may automatically send you home at a certain point rather than have you deal with the risk of the general public being abusive etc etc

LolaStarr · 17/08/2013 10:33

I'm on very light duties and have been since I found out I was pregnant, I work with radiation and contamination so it wouldn't be safe for me to do my usual job. I've been bored out of my mind for months! Surely there's office work they could let you do?

maggiethemagpie · 17/08/2013 11:38

I was put on light duties at 12 weeks(stopped driving) due to instable blood sugars in my pregnancy (due to diabetes). My employer tried to move me to another job completely 'for the duration' but I challenged this and got them to adjust my original job so I was working from home with no driving, or got lifts/trains etc if I really needed to get somewhere.
I then ended up going on sick at 25 weeks as my original job no longer existed, I could have done the other job working from home but as my employer offered to pay me full sick pay I took the option to do nothing instead (they suggested this!)
Now on annual leave and starting mat leave in two weeks.
Good luck

42andcounting · 19/08/2013 12:23

Not tried doing a link before but hopefully this will work.

www.gov.uk/working-when-pregnant-your-rights

I work in a hazardous occupation so have been off work for a while now, initially using up all of my accrued leave, then suspended on full pay. I think most of it hinges on first the risk assessment, and second the availabilty of alternative work. Hope this helps.

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