Working hours

[Mf99]

I am struggling at work as I'm contracted to work until 7pm. I have asked if I can start and finish earlier so I could be done by 5 or 6 but they have said it doesn't fit in with the buisiness. I find I have energy in the morning but by 3 I'm struggling to stay awake. I feel unwell driving home and then have no energy to make dinner. I have another chronic condition which causes fatigue so the pregnancy is making it worse. Can my employers refuse to help me as I thought I could request a change in hours during pregnancy.

As far as I'm aware, they don't have to offer you anything. Sure, if you had a physical job they might have to make adjustments to make it safe for you... but that's about it.

They need to perform a risk assessment. If you can get a GP fit to work letter that outlines what you can and can’t do, that could be given to occupational health. It’s all well and good the business saying they can’t change working hours but they have to if it’s dangerous otherwise they will be liable if something happens.

Your commute counts in the risk assessment

Does your work have a written policy on maternity? I do shift work including nights, and our policy allows us to stop working nights in pregnancy if we're not coping. AFAIK it's not a legal requirement though - my understanding is that they legally have to make reasonable adjustments to accommodate risk but not comfort.