Advice please! Sick days off work due to pregnancy

[BreenThorn]

Hi! I just wanted to see how many days people would consider is too many to take of work due to morning sickness etc.? I am currently 13 weeks and have been really suffering - I work full time and have had 3 days off so far due to severe sickness. But, I have been working hard all other days regardless of nausea. I'm hoping this eases up soon. A week ago I thought the worst was over... I was wrong lol! I'm mostly concerned as I was offered a promotion in December but didn't start till march (when I found out I was pregnant) and don't want to upset management. I know it's not my fault but can't help but feel bad.

They can't hold sickness absence due to pregnancy against you. It has to be recorded differently to other sickness absence

You could take your entire pregnancy off sick and it wouldn't count against you. They might make you go on mat leave early but that's it

There's no limit, pregnancy affects everyone differently, they can't use their usual disciplinary process if you're pregnant. Best to keep Comms open, take time off when you need to and catch up with work when you're able, as long as everything gets done or covered you should be fine.

Thankyou so much! I feel much better now :) I am trying my hardest not to take time off. It's sorta been a day off every few weeks or so. Hopefully it'll die down soon!

I’m 22 weeks pregnant and I’ve been off work since 6 weeks with hyperemesis! I am due to finally go back next week, but if I feel sick again then I’ll be getting signed off again. Take as much time as you need :)

There are policies around sickness related to pregnancy and if your sick within 4 weeks of your due date you will have to start your maternity leave. However up to that stage you are entitled to your usual sickness pay etc .

The only thing to watch is for your maternity pay and your 'qualifying weeks'. If you are off sick during that time it takes your income down. Your mat pay is calculated based on that 8 week period

So when are the qualifying weeks? Sorry. Newbie.

@Conc1 The qualifying week is the 15th week before the estimated week of childbirth), and the relevant pay period is the 8 week period before that. This might help people with calculations: workingfamilies.org.uk/articles/calculating-maternity-pay/#:~:text=Your%20qualifying%20week%20is%20the,your%20expected%20week%20of%20childbirth.

First pregnancy for me I was very lucky, it was a breeze. Second pregnancy however I had terrible breathing problems from around 22 weeks and never made it back to work! I felt terrible about it but the doctors know best. I'm pregnant again now and the worst bit was telling work as I expect they thought I'd shuffle off again (and have to cover role at the drop of a hat). I am 24 weeks and so far ok. I think every pregnancy is different so some people are fortunate and sail through and others have it hard. Either way you are exempt from the usual rules of sick leave. Take whatever time you need OP, it's what it's there for. I hope you feel better soon (it goes quickly at least!!)

Thankyou for all your support! It has helped me so, SO much! 💗

I was off sick for 2 months during my 3rd pregnancy. I felt awful about it, I felt I was letting my colleagues down and disappointing my boss. More than 2 years have passed since then and I doubt anyone even remembers!

You should take time off sick if you feel unwell. Don’t force yourself to work if you’re not up to it! Your health and that of your baby are way more important than work, and this is coming from one of the most conscientious people you will ever meet! I’ve been lucky enough to be allowed to WFH for pretty much the whole of my pregnancy for one reason or another, but if I had the sort of the role where I had to be present, I would be on sick leave, no doubt about it. I have found pregnancy really hard, despite being v fit and healthy and never taking time off sick previously.

Hi, did this affect your SMP xxxx

Hi lovely, did this affect your SMP or anything xxx

Hi, did this affect your SMP🥲 xxxx

Hi, does this mean if I stay off on the 15th week or after my SMP is affected or does it mean just for the 15th week. I have had days off 8 weeks prior to the 15th week so panicking now but in my contract it states that I receive 4 months full pay in periods of sickness, sorry if this is confusing

It would only affect maternity pay if you get paid less when off sick. If you get statutory sick pay when you're off and it's between weeks 17 and 25 of pregnancy then yes, it can affect your SMP as its calculated using those weeks of pay

Sorry to ask but do you know how I would know if I am going to receive SSP or full pay. My contract states 4 months full pay + 4 months half pay for sick leave as I have worked there for 3 years now but I don't know if pregnancy related sickness is categorised as sick leave? xx

Sorry to ask but do you know how I would know if I am going to receive SSP or full pay. My contract states 4 months full pay + 4 months half pay for sick leave as I have worked there for 3 years now but I don't know if pregnancy related sickness is categorised as sick leave?

It is still sick leave but will be recorded as pregnancy related so absence can't be held against you. Did you get your normal wage when you were off sick before?

I think so as pay stayed the same but it said on my pay slip 'Co. Sick pay +158 or something like that, does that mean school have claimed it to help them put towards my full pay? xx sorry!!! Just guessing

Sorry to ask but do you know how I would know if I am going to receive SSP or full pay. My contract states 4 months full pay + 4 months half pay for sick leave as I have worked there for 3 years now but I don't know if pregnancy related sickness is categorised as sick leave?