Request for part-time hours while pregnant

[Adreena]

Hi all. I just wanted some advice if anyone can help please? Posted in the pregnancy forum and was pointed in this direction.

I'm 14 weeks pregnant and have had over a month off sick from work for prenatal depression and also I've had some other pregnancy health issues.

Anyway, I'm due to go back to work next week. I feel I'm only going to be able to cope with part time work but my boss is very likely to reject my request to reduce my hours even though I am happy to reduce my wage accordingly.

If we reach a stalemate where I cannot mentally handle full time work but they completely refuse to let me go part time what are my options? Get signed off sick? Can I be sacked for that? I only qualify for SSP so it would make thing difficult financially for me and DP. Surely it's best all round to have me in part time than not at all? How can I put this to them without it sounding like I'm threatening to go sick? (Which I don't really want to do!)

Also, if I go part time towards the end of my pregnancy, will it affect my maternity pay? (My employer gives the minimum required by law, nothing enhanced)

This is giving me so much worry. Thanks

Has your GP suggested a fit note with a Phase return to work i.e. you go back part time gradually increasing your hours back to full time over a certain period of time. Your employer would need to look at how to accommodate this. Have you spoken to your GP about the fact you don't feel able to go back full time?
If you ask to go part time this could be seen as a flexible working request, which you can only make 1 per year. If you are intending on returning to work with less than a years maternity leave could mean you are not able to make a different flexible working request on your return.
Yes if you are part time during the qualifying period can't remember the exact weeks, but someone wiser will be along shortly, you will get less maternity pay.