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Pregnancy

Talk about every stage of pregnancy, from early symptoms to preparing for birth.

Pregnancy at work

3 replies

Jellybelly09 · 29/03/2022 12:54

Hey everyone,
I work in retail and informed them quite early when I found out I was pregnant as my job is rather active, on my feet all day, heavy lifting etc. Last time I had a baby, they were really supportive and had me doing other things that wasn't lifting etc, but that hasn't happened this time. While I have been put on light duties, they haven't replaced me and have just basically left me to do it anyway. I have refused to do any heavy lifting after last year, when I had an early miscarriage at work after heavy lifting. I know it was probably going to happen anyway, but I can't help but think what if it was my fault, so this time I'm not taking any chances. But I'm unsure what to do, I feel really quite uncomfortable going in because I'm just left and I feel like they expect me to just carry on. They say don't heavy lift but then they leave me and expect the work to all get done still. I have yet to have any form of risk assessment and, as this pregnancy has left me feeling rough, I have been off sick a couple times, but nothing was done when I came back to check on how I was feeling/if I was better/if there is anything they can do to help. It just feels like they don't care so long as their figures are fine and it's just a horrible feeling. Am I being too emotional or am I right in expecting more care?

Thanks for reading!

OP posts:
LittleGwyneth · 29/03/2022 15:04

Can you put something in writing? You're not expecting care, you're expecting a very basic level of health and safety.

I would be tempted to try and say something along the lines of 'I'm not sure if I was clear enough in my initial communication but to avoid any liability on behalf of the company, and for my protection, I need to be taken of xx xx and xx duties immediately.'

Are you on a permanent contract? That would probably shape how ballsy I felt I could be about it.

Jellybelly09 · 29/03/2022 22:44

Hey, thanks for the reply!

I have sent them an email this evening while I was at work so they now have it in writing and copied in the regional People manager so hopefully that puts things in motion. I also wrote in there about my previous miscarriage and how it has caused more anxiety with this one.

I am on a permanent contract and I will definitely consider doing something if they don't even bother with a risk assessment soon. It's kinda sad really. 😔 xx

OP posts:
DahliaRose3 · 29/03/2022 23:34

HR need to carry out a risk assessment for you.

www.hse.gov.uk/mothers/worker/index.htm

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