Triggered works sickness policy. Time to tell?

[missrose0110]

Hi everyone, after a mmc which work knew about last year, I'm pregnant again (10 weeks). However I've been feeling unwell some days and been unable to go to work, i was informed a few weeks ago that I've triggered some kind of policy and I'm on a monitor and further action will be taken if my attendance doesn't improve (this was after 3 days off) today I'm really unwell but forced myself to go to work, fearing facing "further action".

I've had to leave work as I was too unwell (dry heaving at the toilet, pounding headache, shakes etc) I've read the policy that states "pregnancy related illness" cannot be held against you and doesn't count as sickness. So I'm wondering, should I declare 2 weeks earlier than planned?

So scared of telling management and something going wrong :(

If anyone knows about rights when pregnant and can help I'd be very appreciative!

Are there ant health and safety elements in your job role? If so then yes you should tell them! I'm sorry for your previous loss

Yes. Let them know you are pregnant.
I had HG from about 4 weeks. So work found out super early.
Meant any illness (So so much, I barely worked in pregnancy) wasn't counted against me.

And they won't say/do anything unless you're becoming unfit to work. Ie they can start your maternity off earlier than planned as in third trimester. Most workplaces do risk assessments in pregnancy and assess at different stages. Always tell them what's going on. If you're not feeling up to something, then always keep management informed

My work is the same, pregnancy related illness is all considered as one so doesn't go against you.

I would tell them now, I'm sure they'll respect you still wanting to keep it from everyone. Xx

Yes let them know. Then your sickness won’t count towards totals.
Maternity action line have a good website that might help.
Also, if something did go wrong, that’s also pregnancy related so any time off also won’t affect your sickness record.
I’m sorry for your loss, and understand not wanting to tell people before 12wks. Had 2 miscarriages and 2 full term pregnancies, had to tell early with all due to sickness.

I had to tell my manager early due to sick leave. They aren't allowed to broadcast the news that you are PG though, until you are ready for your team to know.

Definitely tell them. They can’t record any pregnancy related absense on your sickness management policy.

Wow thanks for all the responses, I guess I just feared telling them before the scan in case something went wrong. Now it seems I'm going to have to tell them to stop them taking further action. Although I wonder if they're already suspicious. Thanks for the advice ❤️

If something does go wrong then you'll likely need time off anyway so telling them could make it easier to have that conversation. You don't have to tell any other colleagues until you want to. Hope everything goes well with your pregnancy.

@Bluebelltulip that's true, I never thought of that! Thank you x

I would book a scan for reassurance and tell them ASAP. Then it will stop you getting into trouble over sickness.

I don't understand why you're even asking this. Of course you should tell them, so they understand and can make allowances for you.

You're going to have to tell them eventually anyway.

I'd tell them but understand why you wanted to wait OP, maybe just the people who really need to know for now until you feel happy to share your news.

@wedgiecar58 no one asked you to understand, did they? I understand less, people who come on here to belittle or be negative but if that's what gives you a boost, good luck to you.

Definitely tell work, they can support you

@Wedgiecar58 how rude! I didn't tell them because of what happened with my previous pregnancy. Didn't want people congratulating me in case things went wrong. Compassion wouldn't go a miss, either way it's not for you to "understand"

@Justus22 your response is far more negative than mine was. Sorry for having a basic problem-solving mentality, must remember to be sensitive around the professionally-offended!!!

@missrose0110 You don't have to tell the whole office though, do you? Just your HR Manager, direct line manager or whoever is going to be monitoring you based on your absence to date. Isn't that kind of obvious?

I am sorry for your previous loss and appreciate how upsetting this is, but if the alternative to getting in trouble at work is to simply explain to them you are expecting, ask them not to share the news publically because you are nervous due to what happened before (which you say they are already aware of), I do struggle to see how you weren't able to reach this conclusion without the help of strangers on a forum.

@Wedgiecar58 if you read my original post, I was asking if people knew anything regarding employment rights, I'm more than capable of making decisions on my own. Although, thank you your last post was more helpful than your first x

@wedgiecar58 super sorry I do find difficulty with bitchy people on these forums. I'm not "offended" by your pathetic digs, you are the one so bothered by a post you felt compelled to mock the op for a question they asked 🤔😴. If you think it's unnecessary then maybe don't answer it?! Plenty of nice people were happy to discuss.