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Pregnancy

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

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Original poster

Spd rant

12 replies

Emilyjane11 · 15/04/2015 19:03

Hi ladies,

Just about had enough and I feel like I need to get this off my chest.

I am 28 weeks today and been off for past 3 weeks with bad spd, some days okay, some days I cannot walk and gave to rely on OH to get me dressed and pretty much carry me up and down the stairs. I have never felt pain like it and im so down that I cant do anything and im crying allllllllllll the time.

My gp has signed me off until 28th April and has said she will give me a sick note until my annual leave starts on the 11th of may if im still no better. But my place of work does not accept sick notes (they are a massive company and have obviously found a way round this) so Although i am following gps advice and staying off my boss keeps ringing me and today he has mentioned that because Ive been off for "so long" he needs to make sure he knows what he needs to do and to make sure he knows what rights I have. He has said that he will probably come and do a home visit with hr but "its preferable that I try and get back to work soon" this is making me feel even worse. And im actually taking my mat leave at 35 weeks so they cant make me take my leave early im just stressed about the whole thing.

Sorry for the long post but I needed a rant. Xx

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mrstothemr · 15/04/2015 19:10

That's awful... Surely that's tantamount to bullying? If you're off sick, as your evidently are, they really shouldn't be approaching you at all surely

I don't have any knowledge of rights etc but I'd get straight onto Acas. The last thing you need is them stressing you out. Oh and start recording on a notepad every interaction, you may well need a diary of evidence

What a crap boss

Gintonic · 15/04/2015 19:17

I don't understand how your work can "not accept" sick notes? Surely that is not possible - are you in the uk? I agree you should find out about your rights.

Sorry you are suffering, are you getting any physio treatment or painkillers? There is a charity called pelvic partnership who offer good advice on all aspects of SPD.

HelenF350 · 15/04/2015 19:26

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

Original poster

Emilyjane11 · 15/04/2015 20:12

Thanks ladies. Yeah im on crutches and seeing physio and a chiropractor. Which does help for a few days. I dont know how they cant accept them either but they dont. Im not too sure why. I will ring acas tomorrow to make sure I have all my information in Order. Xx

OP posts:

superram · 15/04/2015 20:16

Legally this cannot be counted as 'sickness' at all, as it is directly related to pregnancy. They cannot bring hr in as it will improve (I'm still not100%) after the birth. It cannot go down on your sickness record or be counted against you in anyway- unlike normal sickness.
Tell him to stick that in his pipe and inform hr-if it is a big company I am surprised they are not aware of this.

aletea · 15/04/2015 20:55

(HR manager) there's no such thing as not accepting fitnotes. Well, there is, but they would be wrong. You're signed off sick and as such should not work. Yes they can request a home visit, but this would be for welfare purposes and to find adjustments that would help yu back into the workplace, not to intimidate you back into work. If they're a big company they'll be breaking their own policies if they try to.

ToriB34 · 15/04/2015 20:56

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

aletea · 15/04/2015 21:05

Acas are shit btw, I'd take anything they say with a pinch of salt.

mummytowillow · 15/04/2015 21:12

You can't be penalised for having a pregnancy related condition which sod is.

I had it and was off for months, it's torture and I really feel for you.

I'd phone ACAS for some advice, they've been helpful to me before.

SaggyAndLucy · 16/04/2015 02:48

Firstly, get a support belt. I had the Nexcare one with the over bump strap. It was bloody amazing!
Secondly and more importantly, the PPs are correct.
You CANNOT be penalised for being pg.
I has to go to a tribunal for unfair dismissal and the panel were VERY clear over this. My boss didn't have a leg to stand on.
As for not accepting sick notes, that's ridiculous.
You've been certified as unfit for work. IF you work whilst signed off, and anything happens, this could play havoc with their insurance!
Are you in a union at all? You definitely need some kind of legal advice here.

Original poster

Emilyjane11 · 16/04/2015 05:49

I have contacted my Union and they will attend my home visit if it comes to that.

I know what your all saying about them not being allowed to accept sick notes but believe me when I say they dont and theres a policy about it on the intranet at work. They are one of the big six energy providers so they have got away with it so far?

I have a support belt and it does help. I think Ive let them intimidate me too much now and im certainly not going to let them come into my home and do that

OP posts:

aletea · 16/04/2015 20:55

Can you screenshot that policy Emily? I'd love to post it into the cipd forum! The CIPD is the HR professional organisation.

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