Long term sick work assessment at home?

[ElleyBear13]

Morning I’m just looking for some advice/information im 33 weeks pregnant and have been signed off since 23 weeks for SPD/pelvic girdle pain - I’m under the physio, on crutches and partaking in 3 sessions of hydrotherapy a week alongside strong painkillers as I’m in constant pain -the doctors have now signed me off until maternity leave however Work have informed me that HO will be coming to my home next week to access me and see if I’m alright (what does that mean?!) I work in retail our shop is on several floors - I’ve discussed with the gp about a phased return but we couldn’t see how it would be possible especially on crutches so I’m just looking to see if anyone’s had a home visit before tia x

I have not had this situation but I did have to start maternity leave early due to increasingly more painful spd. From memory once you are signed off work and get to 36 weeks you have to start maternity leave rather than get sick pay. So let them visit - by the time they have seen you on crutches and done a risk assessment for possible work you will be on maternity pay!!

Thank you I was just a bit confused as the drs have signed me as unfit for work so I wasn’t sure if they could make me go back im in so much pain! Thanks again for the Quick reply x

They don’t want you back at work. It’s Just a chat about your health as you will have triggered an assessment requirement due to time off.

Don’t worry for a second about this. Being pregnant means you are super covered by employment law. Your fine.

Ohhh thank goodness I was expecting to be fired on Monday I feel terrible as I’ve worked there seven years hardly any sickness (odd days here and there) this is the first time being properly Ill xx

I work in HR and, whilst visiting you at home sounds quite overbearing, it's quite likely just part of the company's absence policy - if I was you I would ask to see a copy of your company's absence policy if you've not seen it already, just so you understand the process. Since you have been off on long-term sick for quite some time, the company may not want to leave you too long with no contact / management of the situation - even if they know there is nothing they can really do. For what it's worth, I would try not to be too alarmed about it - as I say, it's probably standard practice for your company and they are just doing what they can to support you, as well as providing themselves with as much info so they can manage the situation as best as possible. They can't force you back to work if you've been signed unfit to work so that's not something to worry about.