Getting signed off work for stress?

[Fidgitigdif123]

In need of some advice on what to do with work
I'm currently 26 weeks pregnant, and work has been awful for the last 2 weeks. I've only had one day off in those two weeks due to my manager being off and the other two shift supervisors being off at the same time aswell as him, so I've been the only person who can open and close the store. It's been so stressful and overwhelming that I've lost 4lb in weight due to being sick from stress and not eating properly because of being sick. I'm absolutely exhausted due to the long work days (worked 70 hours over the course of 6 days) and my body is just in so much pain. My manager is back today along with one of the other supervisors, I'm thinking of taking the next few days off to try and get in with my GP and asked to be signed off. Does anyone think my GP will agree to signing me off given the stress I've been under and the danger it's put my health in? My manager doesn't seem to care what this has done to me and my baby

If you need a few days you can self certify, if you need longer you need a fit note. For a few days it may be useful no put something generic like D&V.

At a certain point, I think sickness absence triggers maternity leave, you need to check how this works.

Are you able to claim your time back? Could you have a couple of days off in lieu?

I would imagine that the GP would sign you off due to stress. A 26 week pregnant women who loses 4lb in a matter of weeks isn’t great.
Why were your manager and supervisors all off at the same time? Was it due to illness or just really bad organisation on their part?

JoyceJeffries Manager had some time off booked and one of the other supervisors is extremely close to him (inappropriately close) who got herself signed off for the same 2 weeks he's been away the other supervisor has been ill for quite some time now and it happened to be bad timing that her doc signed her off for the same 2 weeks aswell (I don't blame her though, she has to think of her health).

StealthPolarBear: I didn't think of that, will ask when I get in

bloody hell!

So they basically left you in the shit! What a bunch of arseholes.

Take some time off - time owed or sickness - as you need to look after yourself.

Are you part of a bigger company? Because if you are you should really approach HR any tell them exactly how they have treated you.

Sorry you're going through this OP. I was signed off from 26 weeks due to work-related stress. (thankfully I found a new job whilst on mat leave so never had to go back there). Others are right, after a certain point it does trigger early mat leave- or definitely does in the NHS. I had a lot of annual leave to take so managed to avoid that.

I'd be wondering is this stress likely to change in the next couple of weeks--ie will more managers be returning to take pressure off you? If you can't see things changing then I wouldn't hesitate to go to your gp and ask to be signed off. You need to put you and bubba first and there's no shame in needing to be signed off. X

Sorry, I missed in your op that manager and supervisor are returning. I'd be inclined to ask for your time back in lieu so that you can have a much needed and deserved break. Failing that- gp for signing off x

Yes your doctor I’m sure will sign you off it sounds like you need a lot of rest. When you go back to work you need to have a meeting with your boss to agree on hours etc going forward and see if they have a maternity health and safety checklist

maternityaction.org.uk/advice/health-and-safety-during-pregnancy-and-on-return-to-work/

Thanks everyone managed to get an appointment booked with GP for this Tues morning, also seeing the midwife this Mon aswell so fingers crossed!