Work/Boss being awkward.

[Lizwah]

Hi,

I'm 13+5 and, although its getting a lot better, I've been pretty sick with the first few weeks of my pregnancy. I ended up having 10 days off work in total over the space of about 6 weeks.

The last absence wasnt pregnancy related, but because I had accrued so much absence I had to have a interview with my line manager, who said that the most recent absence was the only "genuine illness" and the others were "just the pregnancy"

Am I alone in thinking this is unreasonable?

Has anyone else had to take time off work?

I am the sort of person who would normally just go in to work regardless of how ill I feel, but since I've been pregnant I've completely changed by perspective on the whole thing. Its not just me I've got to worry about now!

I think perhaps the point your line manager was trying to make is that when you're pregnant any days off sick due to the pregnancy are not counted as part of your sick leave records. Which is a good thing. Not sure whether it really was worth making the distinction but if you're worried you could keep a record yourself, just in case.

If that doesn't answer your question there's also a work/employment issues topic that is really useful - more for if you want to find out what HR law is applicable in your situation. Are you worried about the security of your job?

I was under the impression that pregnancy related sick leave could not count towards a "high total of sick absence" so not sure why you needed to have a meeting to discuss all your accrued absences in the first place!

oh
I just think they're so wrapped up in making sure that absences dont cost them money they're not really bothered about thier staff!

I don't think I'm worried about losing my job, because i'm not being sick nearly as much any more so I'm hoping I wont miss any more. I also think there's a lot of protection out there for pregnant women.

I think I'm just disappointed that I've never really been off ill before, so I thought they might be more understanding. They're definitely counting them as absences though!

THanks for your support/advice guys!

Do you work for Tesco? Sounds like their usual crap! There are very draconian rules regarding how employers can treat a pregnant woman. My children are older now and I'm just lurking by, but back then, they had to pay you for any pg related absence, but if after six month pg it was excessive, they could request you start mat leave early. I am assuming this is still the same. Whatever happens, you cannot be sacked for any pregnancy related reason. This happened to me and I sucessfully applied to an industrial tribunal for unfair dismissal. If you are at all worried, citizens advice can help you work out your rights. Hope this helps and don't take any rubbish from your employers. X

Ah a 'return to work', yes?

Are you part of a union? I would seriously consider it if you are an employee of the above mentioned!

Its generally seen as good practice HR wise to have a return to work meeting however brief the absence.

It could be your line manager was just crass/inept saying it was 'just the pregnancy' or it could be the start of something more off key.

You need to keep a diary of these incidents, and report them to your union. If you aren't a member of a union, join one now, and don't mention your concerns as there are usually rules about pre exsisting issues, and at the moment you may not have one (hopefully)

hope that makes sense!