Work refusing to make adjustments

[MrsCK]

31 weeks and very bad spd so I'm on crutches. Physiotherapist suggested some adjustments to work but my manager is refusing to make the change of relieving me of a particular task which involves lots of moving and standing. Instead they have given me someone else to help me do it. I'm in constant pain and so so upset that work are not prepared to support me fully. I go on mat leave on 3 weeks. ..and counting sigh

In your position I would go to your GP and get signed off. Or get a fit to work note restating what the physio said. You need to put your health first now and if work aren't being sympathetic then sod them!

The thing is, your employer doesn't have to make adjustments for you and if they have asked someone to help they have actually made an adjustment. Sorry if this sounds harsh.

If you go off sick within 4 weeks of the expected week of child birth your maternity leave will automatically kick in so factor that in when visiting gp.

I should add, of you go off sick with pregnancy related absences only

I feel they haven't made adjustments at all....although yes on paper they have the nature of the job means they haven't in practice. I just feel let down by how unsympathetic work are particularly if I compare it to how much effort I put in.

It's shit and makes me want to cry :(

Get signed off until your mat leave kicks in. You can't continue like this. You need to rest. SPD can be worsened by overdoing things.

You're due to go off on your mat leave at 34 weeks anyway. Your mat leave won't kick in automatically before that date due to being off, so get thee to a GP.

Sorry, my advice tonight is rubbish! An employer only needs to make an adjustment if there is a health & safety risk and what they have done to date by asking a colleague to assist you could arguably be an adjustment and alleviate the risks to you/your baby.

Have you asked them for a copy of the risk assessment they should have done? Have you formally requested the adjustment you need? Have you raised a grievance? They could medically suspend you if there is a serious risk and nothing that can be done to prevent the risk. Ultimately, though if you are ill you should probably be off sick.

Definitely get yourself signed off!

Hi, I can feel your pain as I have a boss who is very unsympathetic too. Luckily I didn't have to resort to this in my first pregnancy as my boss gave in. But, had she not, I intended to go to my GP and rather than get a sick note get a "restricted duties" note. Ie. They can declare you fit to work, but not to perform certain tasks which may risk your health. Good luck.