Signed off work - guilt & frustration

[Sianykin]

I’m 7 weeks pregnant with my first child and I’ve been struggling with nausea and exhaustion for just over a week now. I contacted my GP for a bit of advice and they’ve given me a fit note saying I’m unfit for work for the next 7 weeks. I took this to my employer today and they have told me if I am signed off then I shouldn’t be working. I explained that I could work a few hours a day without problem and I just need to be able to take breaks/rest when I need to but they wouldn’t allow this (I work full-time as a healthcare analyst).

I feel guilty taking this time off because I could certainly do some work today, but because my work refuse to be flexible I’m having to take time off. Has anyone else struggled in a similar situation?

You’ve been poorly for just a week? Do you think you can push through a little longer and see how it goes? You could be feeling like this for the majority if not all of your pregnancy. It doesn’t ease off for everyone

because my work refuse to be flexible I’m having to take time off

No, your work have accepted the advice of your GP and are acting 100% appropriately here.

Why are you blaming them? You sought medical advice, you got it, and your employer is adhering to it.

Sounds like a caring and responsible workplace to be honest but i do appreciate that it depends on sick pay etc (as it's pregnancy related sickness though it cannot count towards any attendance markers). It's only a small amount of time really pregnancy during the many many years we have to work, so I wouldn't feel bad or guilty for not working. If you feel like you'd prefer to be doing some work everyday then the GP should amend the note to state this as currently the employer would be somewhat liable if you are told you aren't fit for work but you are.

As far as I’m aware, the fit note is just guidance. So they could allow me to take a few more breaks than normal and do what I can. Though what it does is protect me against them raising performance issues while I’m trying to power on though, as you say Hopingforhomebirth this could go on for some time, and they’re not the caring employer they sound.

I would be mindful of being paid sick pay during your qualifying weeks and how this might affect your maternity pay, also if you are off sick at a certain point, they can start your maternity leave early.

Why on earth have you been signed off for seven weeks? You might feel better in a couple of days

It's an insurance issue, your employer can't have you working if a doctor has signed you off as unfit. They're not being inflexible, they're doing exactly what they're supposed to.

I think the insurance issues only apply when you work on site? I work from home.

7 weeks is insane, I will be getting in touch with my GP to see if I can change it to just advise flexibility. I don’t have the kind of job I can just coast through otherwise I would just go back.

If you work from home, then all the more reason that they are being extra mindful of the Fit Note. They are less able to monitor your welfare and ensure you aren't over-stretching yourself.

Ironically that’s the exact thing I’m asking for; to be able to stop when I need to.

Has the GP ticked 'you are not fit for work' or the one that says you may be with x considerations?