Work and pregnancy

[Sallsarr399]

Hi guys- I need your advice on something.

My doctor had written me a letter to get time off work due to stress and anxiety, on my return date back to work, he mentioned phased returns.

Upon my return to work, my phased return was dismissed as my reason was not work related, I could not highlight any more how work related my reason was. I was asked to work for full days, I completely argued against this. My manager then agreed for an hour more than half day to cover the busy period. I informed her that the reason why I’m stressed is due to the pressure and working the busy period is not going to help. Of course, this comment of mine was completely dismissed also and ended up working the busy period.

I tried to explain that I have a high risk pregnancy, and I also had spotting yesterday. I feel like resigning but I don’t want to miss out on maternity, my other option is getting another doctors letter to be signed off for four weeks.

Can I ask what you think of this situation as I feel that this has not been handled with any professionalism, compassion or fairness.

Do you work for a private company or is it part of a larger chain / group? If it's the latter, I would get in contact with someone higher up, or in HR, as you are entitled to support and reasonable adjustments through your pregnancy, it is the law. Good luck xx

If the Dr writes you a fit note saying you can work but on restricted hours, your employer is legally obliged to respect that. I had this following a major operation, when I was signed to come back to work at 4 hours a day, 3 days a week. I work in a large corp and they were totally fine about it. Its not an all or nothing situation!