Pregnant, feel bullied at work and a bit scared

[sedonna]

I hadn’t been at my current job for long before lockdown and then found I was pregnant.

Even before lockdown I was unhappy in the environment but now we’ve gone back it’s awful.

I feel unsafe. Partly because of coronavirus but also because of bullying, some unfounded allegations (nothing serious but enough to make me feel constantly edgy and worried) and a culture where I can’t do anything right.

I’ve considered going on maternity leave early and writing the whole thing off as a bad experience but have been advised against doing this for financial reasons and part of me does think why should I have to miss out on 2 Months of pay because of their behaviour?

On the other hand I’m sick with worry at the thought of going back.

Any advice?

Just go off sick. I'm not a fan of people taking the piss with sick leave but in your case I'd definitely do it

I second the above suggestion, go out sick. It’s stressful enough being pregnant and although you can also go down the hr route, that might add to your stress. I would make sure going sick won’t impact your maternity pay, and if it won’t I’d do that. It just isn’t worth it! I hope you sail through the rest of your pregnancy!

100% go off sick. Then enjoy your mat leave and get a new job. No one should be bullied in the work place. Take care

I’ve been leaning that way myself, especially as friends have advised this.

The thing is I actually am not well at all. Part of it is stress but low iron levels leading to exhaustion and sciatica and headaches that are very painful and make me feel really foggy somehow. I think I’m just worried about my reference as it means I’ve worked there nine months but only been there around six weeks. I know not really my fault but still!

@sedonna my company only do factual references ( my start date, end date, role, salary) and I’ve been with them for 9 years . I don’t think references are as common anymore but I could be completely wrong .