Sick from work, maternity pay

[Marshmallow1992]

I keep being told different stories regarding this so would really appreciate some facts/advice.

I’m currently on annual leave but due to start back work next week. I have really bad hyperemesis and I don’t think I will be able to make it back to work. I’m currently 15 weeks pregnant and have no idea when I am going to feel better but right now, I am in no fit state to go to work.

I am lucky that if off sick I get full pay for 6 months. I don’t know how long I will be off for but will this affect my maternity pay when I go off after having the baby?

I get 13 weeks full pay on maternity then SMP.

I can’t really find any info online about this and I’m really anxious about the whole thing. I cannot afford to have my maternity pay touched however I couldn’t possibly go to work the way I’m feeling right now.

Any advice greatly appreciated.

Have you been to the dr regarding your HG? I had it severely, couldn’t even swallow my own saliva without throwing up, in the end was hospitalised for over a week with severe dehydration, and once I’d got my meds sorted I was back to work and felt almost normal. If you get the correct medication you should be fine to return to work.

See your dr tomorrow to get signed off for another week and start some medication for the HG.

In regards to sick pay I don’t think it affects your maternity leave, unless you’re off sick 4 weeks before your due date, in which case you’ll start maternity leave then. But do double check the maternity leave and sickness section of your contract or speak to the HR department.

@mustardscreams

I’ve been admitted to hospital, had three different types of medication and nothing is really touching it. The ondansetron helps for a little bit but after a few hours I’m back to being sick again (can only take it every 8 hours).

Thank you I’ll speak to them regarding it. Just keep hearing that if you’re off sick they can start your mat leave early (4 weeks would be fine) or take money off your SMP.

Although I’m hoping to be back to work soon just no where near ready just now.