Sick note

6 replies

Nightskydreams · 15/02/2023 17:59

I’ve been signed off work long term due to struggling in a difficult physical job. My gp has put back ache, headaches and tiredness as the reason for being signed off but hasn’t put pregnancy related. I have contacted her to change it to pregnancy related but she’s said no. I’m now concerned this will put me in a difficult position in terms of discrimination, I don’t intend to return before maternity leave but I know it will count as sick leave as it’s not noted as pregnancy related. I was fine prior to the pregnancy so it’s definitely pregnancy related, I can’t understand why she refused. Can anyone reassure me or should I try another doctor to change it for peace of mind?

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bonniemama67 · 15/02/2023 18:48

Definitely ring your doctor back and insist on her changing it. A quick google search brought up the following:

If your sickness is pregnancy related, you should ask your doctor or midwife to confirm this in your sick note as this will be important to ensure this time off is disregarded. See the section on this below.

Sick leave is unlike other forms of leave in that you can eventually be disciplined or dismissed for taking too much (except for illness related to pregnancy).

I found that on workingfamilies.org.uk/articles/your-rights-if-you-are-ill-during-pregnancy/

Original poster

Nightskydreams · 15/02/2023 18:55

Thank you so much, very odd she didn’t automatically put it as pregnancy related when she knows I’m pregnant and only having these issues due to the pregnancy!

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SouthwestSis · 15/02/2023 19:21

I guess it was her medical opinion that she thought it was not pregnancy related based on what you had told her.
Since you've already been back to her to ask her to change it and she has declined, it sounds like you will need a second opinion.

Original poster

Nightskydreams · 15/02/2023 19:28

Thank you, I’m not sure many people get HG when they aren’t pregnant!

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bonniemama67 · 15/02/2023 19:30

Yes I think it’s very odd ! I see it’s because of HG so I’m really confused why she didn’t ! I would call back and ask why she won’t change it and explain your concerns , I agree due to dismissal ect. when pregnant , it is really important for her to change it. Good Luck :)

Original poster

Nightskydreams · 15/02/2023 20:21

Thank you. I don’t intend to return to that job after ML anyway so would it really be a big deal if I used the current sick note do you think?

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