Non pregnancy related illness - will they make me start my mat leave early

[lollystix]

Almost 18 weeks into 4th pregnancy. Only been back a few months and this pregnancy was a big surprise (I.e not planned). So this weekend I am hospitalised with mild guillaine barre syndrome and am getting pass out this weekend - hopefully won't have to come back in and realise I have been very very lucky as horrible disease. So I ask consultant if I will need any more than next week off as I desperately feel I must get back to work to do my stint before my intended mat leave (which I planned to start about 38 weeks). Consultant tells me I could be up to 2 months off work!!!! I am horrified and concerned work will make me start mat leave now which I simply can't afford as I'd planned on taking 6 months after baby was here. If it's not pregnancy related can they do this?

[lateatwork]

I am really sorry that you have been ill. That must be really difficult with the pregnancy and others at home relying on you.

I dont think they can make you start maternity leave unless you are ill in the 4 weeks before EDD.

If you go off now for 2 months, will you get paid your regular wage or statory sick pay? the reason I ask is that they do the calculations for SMP around this time and if you are off on SSP then the calcs will be done on this amount which will be potentially lower than your regular wage.

[lollystix]

That's a really good point and I hadn't thought of that but they do do it about 18-25 weeks don't they. Need to check contract but I work for a bank and they are quite good so think I get 6 months sick at full pay. Good to know about the 4 weeks before due date.

[flowery]

They can't forcibly start your mat leave until 36 weeks anyway, then it's for pg-related reasons. If you get full sick pay your best bet is staying off on that as long as you can.