Being signed off work

[MrsMarrioo]

So I'm 29 weeks pregnant and due on maternity leave in 3 ish weeks time.

I work within a hospital setting, I have a hands on job which requires being on my feet, bending, lifting etc for a considerable amount of time (I'm also COVID patient facing). This pregnancy hasn't come without its worries so far and despite a risk assessment, being assisted with certain duties etc, I'm still very much struggling with my job. I come home on an evening very sore and after so many consecutive days I'm absolutely exhausted.

My husband thinks the better option is to give my GP a call and get signed off work until my maternity commences shortly (despite only receiving SSP due to length of service but he is more concerned that me and the baby are safe!)

My question is - will my GP sign me off straight away for the next 2 weeks or will I have to self cert for a week before they provide me with a note? I'be had a fair bit of time off with this pregnancy due to a few worries here! But I'm
Presuming with it being pregnancy related, I can't be penalised for it.

Thanks for reading!

I always thought they wouldn't do it straight away, but thinking about it, my GP has never asked whether I've self-certified for a week beforehand. It's worth asking the GP and if they question it you could say you need a certificate that states pregnancy-related illness as you are concerned your employer might discipline you for absence. If your absences are pregnancy-related they ought to be discounted.

GP would expect you to self certify first and may not sign you off but instead give a fit note to recommend amended duties such as half days.

I'm only part time anyway, different hours/reduced hours unfortunately aren't an option due to my job role. I'll ring the GP when I can get through to them and ask, thank you x

Also, it’s worth noting that since 10th December 2021, you self certify for the first 28 days, not 7.

Yes I've read online. My workplace require a doctors note after 7 days currently.

I am convinced I read somewhere that if you're signed off work due to pregnancy-related issues within 4 weeks of mat leave start date, then the employer can enforce early mat leave.

I may have completely made that up, I will go and scour the Internet now!

maternityaction.org.uk/advice/sickness-during-pregnancy-and-maternity-leave/

@FebBabyNo1 it's within 4 weeks of expected week of childbirth

The 28 day self certification is due to end on 26 Jan.

I thought in the NHS that 3rd trimester you are not supposed to be in patient facing role due to Covid. Has that changed or are different trusts doing different things

For the NHS it should now be down to a risk assessment so staff who are higher risk due to age, BMI, ethnicity, underlying health conditions etc may be risk assessed to non patient facing roles,
Personally I stayed patient facing until 35weeks

@MrsMarrioo

Yes I've read online. My workplace require a doctors note after 7 days currently.

Hour workplace can’t enforce that now that the guidelines have changed.