Return to work after covid 29 weeks

[DW4618]

I'm 29 weeks pregnant, just getting over covid and also found out I'm anemic in the same week so feeling pretty exhausted. I started some prescription iron tablets last week and due to go back to work on Tuesday. My first shift back is 10 hours - I work part-time in a busy supermarket where loads of staff are off sick at the moment. I'm concerned about my first shift back being 10 hours when I'm still semi recovering from covid and also waiting for iron tabs to start working properly - I feel Ok to work short shifts and see how I go 🤷

Phoned my management team to express these concerns and ask, if possible, for my shift to be reduced by a couple of hours considering my current health, recovery stage and almost 30 week pregnant. I was basically laughed at and told "well you'll just have to see how busy we are on Tuesday, we can always stick you on a till for 10 hours". I could also hear another manager in the background make some sarcastic comments about everyone else being off sick too.

AIBU to feel like this was dealt with completely inappropriately?

You are definitely not being unreasonable. How inconsiderate of them! Im sure your Gp would do you a sick note if you aren’t up to doing a 10 hour shift, they can put on it that you either aren’t fit to work at all in which case you don’t go into work at all or they can put on it things like you can work but reduced hours/ reduced duties. I have just recovered from covid and was off a week, I’m due back to work on Tuesday and I know it’s going to be tiring. I’m not anaemic yet but usually am towards the end of pregnancy and had to have iron infusions last time and ended up off sick a couple of weeks until they kicked in. I’m sorry your work aren’t more understanding xx

@Jaaxe thank you for your reply! Hope you recover from covid quickly.... it's definitely not much fun. Glad to read you don't think I'm being unreasonable - I never take time off work usually. I'm going to phone tomorrow to speak to a more senior manager and express my thoughts.

YANBU. I'm 31 weeks and covid has really knocked me off my feet. I'll have had a full 2 weeks off before I go back.

Yanbu at all. If they won't come and go with you then try get a fit note from GP for a phased return, like reduced hours or days, 6 hour shifts maximum type of thing and see how you feel. They're far better off giving you reduced hours than trying to make you go 10 and dealing with a pregnant woman fainting, and having you off sick longer term.

@TeddyTonks @Twokidsanddone thank you for your replies. I have spoken to a more senior manager today and he agrees it was not dealt with appropriately. He's agreed to shorter shifts until I am better which is great.