Can sick days trigger early maternity leave?

[Kickykickykickkick]

I’m only 36 weeks pregnant at the moment, have a horrible cold and I keep being sick randomly.

I was going to ask my boss if I can use a half day holiday or a sick day today and leave early. Not going in isn’t an option as I’ve got too much to do.

One thing that’s sticking in my mind though, when I was in the second trimester she mentioned that I need to be careful about having sick days prior to maternity leave as this will trigger me going on maternity leave?

I’m due on the 11th Feb and I’m not due to go on maternity leave until the 8th Feb as I only get SMP

If you are off sick with a pregnancy related illness after 36 weeks your employer can trigger maternity leave.

It can if it's pregnancy related.

Do you have access to your company maternity policy?

Hello. Sorry you are unwell. If the illness is pregnancy related, then your work can force you to take maternity leave from 36 weeks.

“if you are off sick with a pregnancy-related illness in the last four weeks before your expected week of childbirth, your employer can start your maternity leave automatically.” www.maternityaction.org.uk/advice-2/mums-dads-scenarios/pregnant/sickness-during-pregnancy-and-maternity-leave/

Only if your sick day is pregnancy related

Your cold is not pregnancy related and won't last for the next 4 weeks, so go ahead and take 1-2 days off sick, but make sure they understand it's to do with your cold. Hope you feel better soon!

Thanks all!

That’s a bit depressing. Definitely no sick days then!

I will see if I can work from home today or leave early using holiday.

Thanks!

It can do, as PP have said, but it’s at your employer’s discretion. Why don’t you have a chat with your boss? If you’re unwell, you shouldn’t have to struggle on. Hope you feel better

why is it depressing and mean you can't take sick days? You have a cold, that isn't pregnancy related, so taking time off sick for the cold should not trigger early maternity leave.

Oh just depressing in the sense that I feel I can’t take sick days for the next few weeks as I’ll be worried that my employer will take advantage.

I am feeling a bit better so I’m glad I went in.

I am going to speak to my boss and see if I can go on maternity leave on the 1st Feb now instead of the 8th though