Rights at work

[bubba20]

I’m 33 weeks pregnant and due to finish work in 3 weeks time.
For the second day in a row my boss has reduced me to years with his accusations of my work being incorrect, which it isn’t, I have written evidence that it’s correct and that he was in fact wrong. Then he accuses me of having “baby brain”
I’m seriously considering going on the sick.
I’m not sure how much more upset I can take.
I can’t bring forward my leave as I have to give 28 days notice.
I have a scan this week for low lying placenta, I’m considering speaking to my consultant and ask for a sick note.
Just after some advice on what other would do?

Do it! What a terrible boss

Absolutely get signed off with stress and sue the wanker for it. Sorry this is happening to you but you should be well protected. Don't let him get away with it.

Is it placenta praevia or just low lying? I think the consultant will be happy for you to go off sick.

I have placenta praevia 32wks tomo. My midwife told me they may sign me off on bed rest to help stop any complications.

I'm sick to death of work too. Have been pulled up a few times on stuff being wrong and nothing being taken off me or anthing. Im not being back filled and i have two wks left tomo. I would go on the sick if i were you.

Rarfy - I’m not sure, was told at my 20 week scan the placenta was blocking the way out, that was it. No one seemed concerned and just said come back later for another scan, I’m also on growth scan and this is the first of 3.
Thanks for all your advice, I’ll defo speak to the consultant about a sick note! Not ideal so close to Christmas and I really wanted to work up to our last day.

Its only my last day thats keeping me hanging on in there or i would go on the sick now.

Are they scanning you again to check it has moved?

Mine was picked up at 20wk scan and ive had 2 more scans since with no sign of it moving. There Thursday to check again at which point i will be requesting csection is booked in as they like to do it at 37wks eith placenta praevia in my Trust.

To see if it’s moved yes. Although I do think this scan is a growth scan and the placenta scan is on 27th December, it’s all done at placenta clinic anyway so I should know more Thursday too.
What I do know is that I’m sore and I hurt and I could do without the tears.

You sound like you're feeling just like me. Poor you!

Just call in sick tomo. You have to self cert for the first week anyway but i cant see any medical professional having a problem signing you off.

I hope you start to feel a little better.

If you are in a large or medium sized firm with HR report your boss to them for sexism before you go off.

If you are in a small firm unfortunately there is very little you can do.

HR is his wife.

Just check that if your given a sick note this close to your due date it doesn't trigger the start your maternity leave, as I think there is a rule on that. However it sounds like you could do with some advice from acas before going this route.

That would be fine by me!! I just know that if I asked now they’d say no as I haven’t given 28 days notice.

I can't advise as to the best course to take re taking time off sick, but I would suggest you address directly the false accusations of getting things wrong (with evidence) and the assertion of 'baby brain'. Doesn't need to be too confrontational, just a case of setting the record straight. You may need this if your boss continues to be an arse while you're on maternity and/or when you return. Always worth formally documenting sexist behaviour in case you need a record. Copy in HR - doesn't matter that's it's his wife, just make it clear she's being copied in because of her HR role.

I’ve printed off all evidence of his error today. Thankfully on this occasion I had it. Normally he sends verbal instruction and then goes back on his word so I have no proof. I’ve also decided I won’t be returning to this place of work after my leave. It’s just not worth losing my sanity over. I love my job and the people I work with but unfortunately I can’t cope with a controlling boss. Been there with an ex!!!

@bubba20 wow he sounds like a dickhead. Glad you had proof that he was wrong.

I would insist on having everything in writing from this point onwards. I know it makes you seem like a pain in the arse, but it keeps you covered. I work for my parents and even they’ve been a pain about some of my work during pregnancy and I make my dad email me with anything he expects me to do in addition to my usual role now. If he doesn’t email it, I won’t do it. It’s the only way I’ve maintained my sanity.

Hope all goes well at your scan - I think a bit of time off sounds just like what you need xx

I’ve tried and tried. Wouldn’t mind but he made the policy up that instruction were to be emailed to avoid problems yet he’s the only one who doesn’t do it.
What can I do? Be moaned at for not following his verbal request or be moaned at for getting it wrong - even though I wasn’t.
I’m seriously questioning my sanity at the minute. I knew I was right but I also knew that pointing out his error would result in an argument, something I didn’t want. Eventually it all got too much and the tears came, mainly from anger I guess.

You going in today?

Yep, have to, can’t afford to have my pay down really. That and I don’t like letting them down, as stupid as that sounds!

Oh gosh well i hope you have a better day today.

When you get verbal instructions you could write them in an email and ask him to confirm it is corrrect.

Jackshouse - tried that. He doesn’t reply or confirm the instructions. I’ve now taken to printing off all my emails just in case he accesses them and deletes them! It’s pathetic really!

Rarfy - how have you gotten on today?