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Pregnancy

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

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Original poster

Being signed off sick - do I have to start my maternity leave?

19 replies

Victoria72 · 04/07/2007 13:51

Does anyone know, if I am signed off sick (I have 10 days left until I actually go on maternity leave), would I be forced to start my maternity leave from that point? Or is it regarded as sick leave and I start my maternity leave as planned? Thanks.

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mother2b · 04/07/2007 13:53

they cant make you go on mat leave - should pay you your normal sick pay

pinkone · 04/07/2007 13:53

I think it varies from company to company. At mine if you are signed off a month before you are due to start your mat. leave (or less) they make you start it.

wishingfourgotone · 04/07/2007 13:54

no you cant be forced its sick leave totally different from your mat leave

meandmyflyingmachine · 04/07/2007 13:54

Is it related to your pregnancy?

Loshad · 04/07/2007 13:55

afaik they can make you start your maternity leave if it a pg related illness, but not for eg if you have broken your hand.

meandmyflyingmachine · 04/07/2007 13:56

I think that's right.

mother2b · 04/07/2007 13:56

somebody posted this the other day you may find it handy

Nbg · 04/07/2007 13:57

I remember when I was pg with dd (my first) I was signed off sick after being taken to hospital with contractions at 25 weeks.
I'd had alot of time of sick, all pregnancy related and in the end it was agreed by myself, employer , MW and Gp that I should start my mat leave at 28 weeks.

It wasnt forced and I dont believe they can do that anyway.

bundlecod · 04/07/2007 13:57

I htink it depends on when it happens see here

Chattyhan · 04/07/2007 13:59

I'm pretty sure if you're off sick AND it's pregnancy related they can force you to start maternity leave but only if you're over 25 wks.

Original poster

Victoria72 · 04/07/2007 13:59

It is pregnancy related inasmuch as I feel this baby (33 wks) is trying to squeeze its way out and is incredibly uncomfortable - I know this is normal, but... I know it sounds a bit lame but I have 1 1/2 hours travelling to work each morning and back again each evening on train and tube and it is becoming unbearable. I am also getting dizzy and tired - all very normal I know, but... Also, I have recently been diagnosed with gestational diabetes and at some points during the day I just want to fall over from, what I can only describe as, lethargy. I know they are not major problems but for me it is causing a lot of pain etc. and I am very fed up and feel very sorry for myself. Pathetic aren't I?!?

OP posts:

Chattyhan · 04/07/2007 14:02

just looked at bundlecod's link and it seems to say 36 wks (not 25 as i thought)

Chattyhan · 04/07/2007 14:03

when were you planning to start maternity leave?

Chattyhan · 04/07/2007 14:05

Ok silly me 10 days time - i would suggest you talk to your boss and say you don't feel up to coming in and can you start maternity leave at the end of this week!

Original poster

Victoria72 · 04/07/2007 14:06

I am due to start my maternity leave on 19th July, it's only two weeks away but I could do with the break to be honest. Especially as I have a DS5 who will be on school holidays as of 20th July and it will no doubt not be the most relaxing atmosphere! (Bless him, he's so excited to be having his mum home for 6 months.)

OP posts:

Chattyhan · 04/07/2007 14:09

I think it sounds like you need a quiet couple of weeks before school holidays BTW i'm 29wks and have ds 2.5 and i work looking after other children!

lisad123 · 04/07/2007 15:15

If you are signed off sick, your materity leave will be started by your company at 36 weeks. I too am off sick and have been for a while. You should be ok as your mat leave was due to start before that anyway.
HTH
Lisa

Mumpbump · 04/07/2007 15:19

As others have said, pregnancy related illness will automatically trigger early maternity leave starting from 36 weeks, but doesn't sound like it will be relevant to you anyway!

Babylovesmuffins · 04/07/2007 15:29

Hi Victoria. Sorry you're feeling rotten. Come and join us on the August 07 thread - we're all feeling a bit fed up and in pain atm!!
Sorry I don't know the answer to your question about sick leave/maternity leave but you're definitely not being pathetic

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