Signed off work with back pain

[bellerous]

Hi,

I'm 24+6 weeks pregnant I've been suffering really bad the last few weeks with agonising back, hip and leg pain to the point I've been unable to walk some days. Just been to the docs and he's signed me off of work for 2 weeks.

I'm really worried about tellling work because we are crazy busy at the moment and we are only a small team. I'm currently waiting for my manager to call me back so I can tell her and I'm dreading it.

Does anyone know if they can do anything i.e sack me, disciplinary etc I had 3 days off at the beginning of my pregnancy because I passed out in work and had horrendous morning sickness but that's it.

Also i read elsewherre that they can make you startbyour mat leave early..... Is this true?

Thanks

I dont think they can sack you or do anything at all if it is illness directly relating to a pregnancy- and you have been signed off. If they push you, you could sue them, so they will probably be fine with it. Please don't take anything from them- like sighing down the phone, guilt trips etc.
You are signed off because you are not fit to work, it does not matter one jot if work is busy or not.
They can make you start maternity leave early if you are off for a long time in the run up to maternity leave starting, I think, but on that count I have no idea about dates etc... someone will know.
Good luck xxxx

They can only make you start maternity leave from week 36, so don't worry yet. They can't discipline you or fire you or anything. Check what sick pay you are entitled to, if it looks like you will be signed off for a long time as I didn't get as long paid as I thought when I had to be signed off last time, and it made more sense financially for me to start mat leave earlier rather than only getting SSP.

im in exactly the same situation only I've had quite a bit more time off due to being in and out of hospital, they can't do anything at all when it's pregnancy related, and if they do try sack you, disciplinery action or any type or sickness action plan then don't sign anything and speak to your union xx

Hello - I just had a meeting with my HR about this exact same thing and they said that they can't start maternity leave until within 4 weeks of the birth. It's horrible to be in pain and then feel worried about what will happen with taking time off sick. I'm having a meeting with my manager and HR today to see if we can come to any flexible arrangements (working from home maybe or working mornings and going home afternoons) as I'm sure it's sitting in the chair all day that is doing me in. Hope you find a good solution, good luck.

I meant estimated due date not birth sorry!