Pregnant freelancer being asked for doc's note to 'prove' her health? (Sorry, long....)

[Rosebud05]

Don't know if anyone can help me with this one... I work as a freelance trainer and at the beginning of the year I let an organisation who I've got a day of work booked with know that I'll (hopefully)be 38 weeks pregnant by the date booked (out of courtesy), though still planning to do the work contracted. They suggested that we bring the work forward, which we did, and I was pleased that this was possible as 38 weeks is pushing it a bit.
Anyway, I've just received an e-mail saying that they've done a 'pregnancy risk assessment' and require me to sign a declaration saying that I'm aware of the risks and to provide a supporting note from my GP saying that I'll be fit for work on that day. I'm a tadge confused as a) I'm not an 'employee', so no risk assessment is necessary b) shouldn't one be involved in one's own 'risk assessment' and c)although I'm happy to sign a declaration, I can't see that my GP is going to be able/willing to write a letter saying that I'll be fit for work on a particular date in 2 months time. I thought that one was considered fit for work UNLESS you were signed off?
Does this sound every so slightly bonkers bordering on the discriminatory to you, or should I just trudge around GP/midwives begging for letters?
Cheers!

Hi, Rosebud, yes, this does sound a bit bonkers, I think you have got it right!

This is find example of useless bits of paper and letters that irritate the hell out of GP serve no other purpose than to allow somebody else to cover their backside .

As you say yourself it is impossible to predict how well anybody is going to be in 2 months' time. Also as you say, you are self-employed so surely, if you are happy to stick to your committment this should be enough.
IMO, at best your GP could confirm that you are (hopefully) in good health and have a normal trouble-free pregnancy.
Personally, I often counter this kind of request by asking those who request a report for a written request confirming they will be liable for any cost as this is NOT an NHS service, I do not see why you, the patient, should be out of pocket for this kind of nonsense.
Hope this helps .

PS: Any mention of costs often make the need for a medical report/certificate disappear...

Thanks Mof3. As a freelancer, I don't really want to get into conflict about costs etc. I did think about asking my GP for a note confirming that I'm not having any pregnancy complications, though how on earth would she know as she's not providing my antenatal care? It's not like I'd gain anything by hiding any ill health from an employer (as an employee might in terms of sick pay) as if I don't turn up and do the work, I don't get paid! I think that I might respond by pointing this out and saying that I'm very happy to sign a declaration though my GP only provides sick notes not well notes.

That (and you) sounds v reasonable.

Good luck with the rest of your pregnancy.

Thank-you, and you.
Does anyone else have any thoughts on this? Is it reasonable to point out the stark staringly obvious, or are they in a position to make me jump through hoops?
Thanks!

(My understanding is)If they were to refuse your services because you are pregnant that would be discrimination. Even though you are not their employee, it isn't acceptable to choose a different contractor on the grounds that you are pregnant! Presumably if you are self employed you have your own insurance so I think you are being MORE than reasonable to sign their declaration which is really just a farce. I understand you don't want to have a conflict about costs but it is wrong that you should have to pay extra for being pregnant...

Um, unless you are a trainer for a high risk occupation, like sky divers or bungee jumping, have never heard of a medical certificate required....

A risk assessment is done by people trained in health and safety, and isn't really based on medical issues; just an assessment of risk which is rated, such as posture, seating, lifting, exposure to chemicals etc and methods in which to reduce the risk.

I think you should ask to see the risk assessment or perhaps discuss it with them, especially seeing as you weren't asked to even participate in the assessment...

Your own insurance is enough.
They are being ridiculous. They should be reminded if they are insistent that any loss of earnings will need to be compensated, as a visit to the Gp can take considerable time.
And like you say if you dont work you dont get paid.

Good point - your own insurance is enough.

I've just had to do a pregnancy risk assessment and I'm a FT employee. I have been formally notified to stay away from sheep and not scuba dive (which is a real pain obviously because I can't tell you how many days at work I spend with scuba-diving sheep... )

I think they just need to tick a box. Get your GP to say the pregnancy is proceeding normally - which is as much as s/he can say anyway. That should do it x

An update..... I spoke to the person who wrote the e-mail today and said that I am very happy to sign a declaration of my health if they want to cover themselves, but don't understand what they require from my GP, as generally one is considered healthy until proved otherwise. He didn't really have a clue what he wanted, though after consultation with a higher authority, agreed that my own declaration will be sufficient.
Just goes to show that a piece of paper with 'Risk Assessment' written on it is a liability in the wrong person's hands.......
Thanks to all who replied and no scuba diving with sheep, ladies!

At last common sense prevails...