Work stress bomb - they told me today I'm back in next week!

[Cherryrainbow]

Vent/ tips required please. I'm 33 weeks pregnant. When I was 29 weeks work messaged us all to say they were bringing vulnerable people back but with a few weeks notice. myself and other ladies in 3rd trimester said we understood we were supposed to be shielding/avoiding to go in the office because we were over 28 weeks. They then phoned us up about a week later to say good news you dont have to come back if you're over 28 weeks, I'd still be paid until maternity starts in september. I had a phone call today at 4.30 to say they've now decided it is safe and to come in next week! Cue absolute panic as I had to panic sort out childcare for my son and stuff.

I'm now freaking out as people at work have been saying they're not social distancing 2m because the desks are back to back (it's a call centre, air con etc), people are sharing desks because theres not enough etc.

Am I wrong to feel worried when theres all this info in the news about rising cases and a 2nd wave, and being so damn close to maternity leave?! I feel like I'll need to wear a mask as extra precaution but that not going to be fun when I hyperventilate.

I have a history of depression and anxiety and so far been ok medication free, midwives been keeping an eye etc. But recently I've had god awful insomnia. Since the call ive had 2 panic attacks, I'm freaking out. I know I'll have panic attacks when I go back to work which I can deal with. I feel sick thinking about it.

The problem is I cant go on sick because I'm on an attendance warning due to time off I had for fibromyalgia. I don want to start my maternity too early because it will affect when i go back to work next year and childcare plans. I'm getting so stressed out thinking about well what if i start to have contractions at work, I have to drive myself there and back, can I drive if anything starts?! I'm not due to see midwife again until the 18th x

I’d try and get some more advice on this. Sounds like your work haven’t looked closely enough at gov advice. Have you seen a risk assessment yet? Might be a question to ask them.

I’m pretty sure that pregnancy related illness, can’t be lumped into other illnesses. So your employer cannot turn around and say you’ve had X amount of sick leave and include your pregnancy illness.
It doesn’t sound like a good work environment for anyone, but definitely not a vulnerable person. c

You can't be disciplined for pregnancy related illness however they can request you start your maternity leave earlier if you are off sick

Can you ask for some reassurances and commitment of the measures they have put in place? I understand your worth but people are moving back to offices now. I suppose they either need to make you comfortable, let you work from hone or start your mat leave?

Our office is now “Covid secure” 2 meters distancing etc. We’re doing 50% in at a time too. I’ve done my first week in and it’s been fine. I’m 29 weeks and glad to have a proper desk again after working from the sofa! Can you pop in for the day and see how it works?

Go in and see for yourself
If your then unhappy contact your union to raise these things for you

Like a PP said , I would suggest going in yourself to see the situation . Express your concerns if you feel unsafe . Even those who were previously shielding , in the most vulnerable category , can now return to work. I felt worried about returning myself but once I settled in I started to feel much about about the situation . It feels good to feel “normal” again .

I don't think gov advice is for us to stay at home either, it has always said work from home "where possible". Shielding has been lifted for those told to shield which means they will be back in offices etc - we were never told to shield so it makes sense they are asking people back in im afraid.

Not saying you cant worry and don't need a risk assessment etc, I just mean I think they are working within current guidelines

Lots of good advice on this website. Links to discuss with employer etc to make sure you and your colleagues are kept safe. I guess guidance may differ depending on where you live too. I’m in Scotland and have been asked to work from home until Mat leave starts in a few weeks. I do however work in a school so very much a public facing role. Take care and I hope you get some reassurance.

Ask to see their Covid risk assessment specifically relating to pregnancy.

Shielding paused on 1 August (most of UK) and is about to in Wales.

But most pregnant women were not required to shield - except those with certain heart conditions - if you are not sure if this includes you then speak to your cardiologist

So everyone, including the exceptionally vulnerable, can attend workplaces now. Charities have been quite active on what should happen if the workplace is not covid-secure, but the employer still recently deshielded on site - there's no body who decides on what's safe, and there is no financial support whatsoever for those who are disinclined to attend because they are not happy with the level of precaution.

I think you are getting a bit ahead of yourself here. You need to go and find out what the precautions are.

I work in a call centre. Since March we've been inspected 4 times by local Health and Safety Executives from the local council. Each time was due to either one or multiple staff complaining about lack of social distancing or Covid measures. We passed the inspection each time, but obviously staff were worried enough to complain in the first place.

You don't have many options. If you really don't want to go back yet, you will have to start mat leave early. Yes it messes up your plans for return, but you'll just have to make new plans.

You can go back, then if you think Covid restrictions are not being followed you can make a complain, follow Accas guidance on this, and then refuse to go in to work while it is unsafe. But you can't refuse if you do not have proof it's unsafe and you haven't asked them to fix it.