Possible to reduce hours in late pregnancy without having to be signed off entirely?

[working9while5]

I work in a number of different schools. After the Easter holidays, I will be 33 weeks pregnant and due to holidays I need to take, my 3.5 day week will reduce to 1.5 days. I always only work 1.5 days in this setting, so it is no change to the people/clients there....

I was initially thinking of taking early mat leave before I realised this, as I have uterine prolapse, serious ongoing back trouble and a commute that is 2 hours each way. However, working 1.5 days a week is going to be awkward with the commute and it's not possible to split the hours equally over two days as I have to work a full day in one setting. I'd rather drop the half a day than go off early if I could, because it would be good to stay in work for as long as possible just to avoid going crazy at home.

Is this even possible? Or does it sound like nonsense?

Sorry but I'm not sure I understand.

After easter you will be 33 weeks and only working 1.5 days a week?

Can you ask for your holiday pay to be fudged around so you only work 1 day a week or offer to do 1 day a wek, 2 days aweek, 1 day aweek and the finish the month on 2 days a week.

When do you plan on taking mat leave?

I struggled with A WEEK there didn't I?

I'm trying to watch tv and type

If you reduce your hours without using annual leave it will affect your maternity pay. Shouldn't be a problem if your company will allow you to take it as holiday.

Sorry my job is complicated, I always forget useful info!

Basically I work term time only for half my post, so can't take holidays from this part of my post. That's non-negotiable. I have annual leave for the remainder of my post which will cover me from 33 to 40 weeks. Half is funded by NHS, half by Education which is why this is the case.

Initially I was thinking of just going with taking mat leave at 32 weeks (when I thought I would have to work 3 days) but now that seems silly, as surely I can manage a reduced week even with the health issues/commute... however, the idea of a 4 hour daily commute to work for 4 hours is putting me off. Just wondering if there's any way round this?

I really don't think there is another way around, especially if you have annual leave to cover 33 to 40 weeks. Sorry.

You will not be bored, you will be nesting

No, I have annual leave to cover 1.5 days of 3 days a week, I can't take holidays for the other 1.5 days so I am asking if this means that I have to take early maternity or get signed off. I thought there was some provision to have hours reduced in the short-term to keep you at work, but am not sure of details? It's surely better for my employer to have me there as long as possible (as no one will cover my caseload when I am off...) vs me going off early/being signed off sick, no?

Do you mean "is it possible" or do you mean "am I legally entitled to do it"?

If it's the latter, the answer is no, but many people do negotiate reduced hours with their employer for this type of reason so you can definitely ask.