Will I still be able to work while pregnant? and if I'm ill, will they still hold my job open?

[mummyloveslucy]

Hi, I work nights in a home for young people with learning disabilities. We are going to be trying for another baby soon, but wondered if I could still work nights while pregnant? I'm on my own during the night as there are only 4 residents and they are quite independant.
I can't find it written anywhere, but it's something I'll need to consider. Also, with my previous pregnancy I had hyperemesis (severe sickness), I was being sick every half an hour without fail, both day and through the night. I was admitted to hospital for five days with it. I've heard there is an 80% chance of it happening again. That's why it's taken me seven years to deside to have another baby.
If I was that ill again and couldn't work, right from the start of my pregnancy, how would that affect my job, and would I still be paid? I really want to keep my job whatever happens. I really enjoy working there, and would like to go back to my nights once the baby is sleeping through the night. (Ideally)
I'd be really greatful if someone could shed some light on this. I can't really ask my boss, as I'm not pregnant and there's a good chance I won't be for quite some time. It might take a bit of planning though to keep my job.

I've been there one and a half years.

Your employer would need to do a risk assessment once they know you're pg. I can't see any reason why you shouldn't work nights or work alone - esp when there are other people round. If you're off sick you're off sick. Not sure about if you were literally off for the whole pregnancy but you are more protected when pregnant. From 29 weeks I think they can isist you start your mat leave if you're sick

Idealy, I won't be sick this time, or not as badly and they'll let me carry on with my nights. Last time I was ill, it was for the first 4 months of my pregnancy. After that, I felt fine and wanted to go back to work. I couldn't though as I left when my illness started.

I'm not sure they'll pay 4 months sick pay.

They may not have to pay you for your sick leave but they can't sack you for a pregnancy related period of sickness. So I'd you were off sick you may get SSP but they must keep your job for you.

That's not too bad then. SSP fpr 4 months wouldn't be too bad. I could start saving now, just in case I'll need a bit extra. Then if i'm not ill, i can spend it on baby things. (If I ever get pregnant).

info on SSP

If its any help I was really really sick with my first preg (5 times in one morning was my worst day), but usually 5 times a day. Not as bad as you, but still 24hrs a day sickness. Couldn't keep anything down.

2nd preg I was far less sick. Could control most of it by eating something.

I'm just saying its not always as bad second time round. Good luck.

Thank you, I certainly hope so! I've started eating healthily and excercising, so at least my body will be in a better condidion to deal with it.

Thank you for the info on SSP.

if you want specific advice regards risk assessments for waking night staff with people with LD, send me a private message. I manage a home and have done a far few RA's over the years. Any RA's in my place remove waking nights for pregnant women but happy to go through possible outcomes with you off board.

Just a small note, if you were signed off for your whole pregnancy, they can make you start mat leave from 36 weeks, not 29 weeks as previously posted.

Nearly all my staff work nights and are paid extra for them according to how many they are rostered to do. Some of our pregnant ladies manage perfectly well with nights others don't. If the pregnancy risk assessment shows the pregnancy is the reason they can't do nights then they are not rostered them but still get paid for them.