Manager pushing me for letter, I can't get one?

[PayingMyWayYouSay]

Hello, here's so background.

My manager wants me to get my absence explained in a quick brief with dates of when I was signed off from and to... From my GP.

I have been back about a week and a half now and I still can't get one.

There were three sick notes in total, all of which were sent to her via email during my absence.

However, I've only been able to give in 2 out of the 3 in person since one has been lost somehow

Furthermore, it's not really that. It's the fact they aren't stamped so my manager says they 'could have been signed at random by anyone'.

Where do I stand here? If I don't give one in by tomorrow, it'll be reported that I haven't complied with the sickness procedures in a timely manner.

I have horrendous HG sickness and it's still very bad, only difference now is I'm keeping things down better. I'm really quite stressed over the whole ordeal. I just don't know what to do. This is a GP surgery that never has appointment until like 4 weeks in the future, and the triage never calls you back for 'emergency queries that could lead to a same day appointment'.

I have called my GP surgery every morning since last Wednesday. They said last Wednesday it'd be done by Tuesday. Tuesday arrived and it hadn't even been requested from GP.

I took half day today to march down there and ask them why it isn't being sorted and furthermore, can I please request again. It has been requested again but doubt it'll happen.

GP practice managers (and receptionists if they have access) can reprint a duplicate of your missing sicknote. With regards to the HG- you are protected by maternity laws as it is a pregnancy related illness and can't be used against you for absence meetings or measures. (Both of the above I've had recent experience of). Do you have your maternity notes? Is it documented in there about your HG? That could be useful if unsuccessful with your GP. If your manager has emailed copies of the sick notes then she shouldn't complain about sickness procedures.

Do the sick notes have a bar code at the bottom? Your employer can use that to scan to show your sicknotes are valid.

Hello all, no I don't believe they have barcodes but could be wrong?

I know she can't use it at HG against me in sickness procedures etc, but surely if I'm not following the right protocols, she can pick me up on that?

They can't discipline you for pregnancy related sickness.

www.maternityaction.org.uk/advice-2/mums-dads-scenarios/pregnant/sickness-during-pregnancy-and-maternity-leave/

Explain that you've tried to get a letter, and refer them to the guidelines.

www.hse.gov.uk/mothers/faqs.htm#q4

On the pic there is a blank square next to the doctor's address- new style fit notes have a barcode in there to prove it isn't fake.

I went into my sent box and retrieved the sick notes.

They do indeed have barcodes, hoorah!

But she won't be happy about the letter and will say she will be documenting it and reporting the incident, as she keeps reminding me each day

That's good they have the barcode. She can't question the authenticity now.
Tell her that you've tried and that she's welcome to call the GP practice herself. (They won't give her information but at least they can tell her it is a wait for the letter to be completed). However, as you have the sicknotes that is evidence enough and other than a duplicate for the lost sicknote, she doesn't need anything else.

What incident? You were signed off with pregnancy related illness, by a gp, and you forwarded copies of the sick notes. You don't owe her any further details or explanation, she's being an officious cow.

Do the fit for work notes state that you were off for a pregnancy related reason?

If they do, she's not treating you fairly as it sounds like she's going down the official sickness procedure route, by asking you to provide a GP letter.

I'd email or speak to her tomorrow, and explain that you've given her the fit for work notes by email and two in person. They are official as they're barcoded. Also explain that you have requested a GP letter twice, to confirm your absence, and state it's not normal practice for GPs to issue letters as they give out fit to work notes.

There is a cost associated to GPs providing letters, and it can take a while to get it from them.

Plus she shouldn't be going down any formal procedure routes, because your pregnant and it's discrimination.....

Also if you're still suffering from HG take some more time off, stress is t good for you or the baby, and rest will do you both good.

*isnt good.

Hope you feel better soon.

As of yet, the letter hasn't been mentioned but I've just been pulled in and told that she thinks I'm spending too long in the toilets

I often need to go in there to repetitively puke. I don't know what to do. I don't want to make myself stay at my desk and disgust everyone by vomiting near them.

Why not vomit in a waste bin and say passive aggressively that you have been reprimanded by bitch boss for being sick in the toilet.

I'd vomit on her shoes the next time she pulls you up on it. What a bitch.

I would make sure that you have a complete record of your interactions with this manager - and if necessary follow up verbal discussions with an email confirming your understanding of what was discussed. She sounds like she's trying to make life difficult for you abd a good paper trail may come in handy if she carries on.

You poor thing.

Next time she starts talking to you start retching. Ideally when there are other people there.

'Please manager I'm going to be sick bleaghhhhh'.

Hmm this is starting to head towards a HR situation - it sounds as though she is resenting you being pregnant.

Ask for a designated sick bucket and then for her to do a health and safety review of how that's OK for those around you. Or encourage them to complain for you when you start puking in a bowl

What a bitch. Email and say to update on your discussion, i will need to go to the bathroom more times than usual at the moment as I am unwell with pregnancy (note you MUST mention pregnancy and you must have it on email) . I know you don't like this hence have warned me. It is not acceptable to me to vomit or retch at my desk in view of colleagues when I could get to a bathroom. Are you saying you require me to stay home while unwell with pregnancy? That is the only other alternative I can see.
Kind regards,

What time said - email exactly that BUT put a read receipt on it AND - v important - cc HR and OHU.

Where the hell do you work?? I can't imagine this happening in any of the places I've worked, there'd be nothing but sympathy for you in our office. I would have thought if you have sick notes nothing else should be needed.

Fuck that just go on sick until your HG has completely gone. They can't do a thing about it because it's pregnancy related. No way would I put up with being told I'm spending too much time in the toilet if I had HG! Your boss is a bitch

Hello all. Will sort sickness place out with her later.

I have now just been advised that she cannot accept my request for annual leave next week due to me being on a phased return to work. Is this true? Am I not allowed time off from annual leave because I am on a phased return? I was taking the two days because I have two awkwardly times Maternity appointments.

She is also reminding me I have been asked to book my maternity appointments in the morning or last thing. This isn't possible, I have advised her of this more then once.

She is also asking (all via email), if I have the letter as the deadline is today.

I don't and I'm feeling incredibly stressed.

I work for the NHS

Forward all her emails to HR and OHU and explain how stressed she is making you feel - then ask them to deal with her for you.

www.gov.uk/working-when-pregnant-your-rights

'Employers must give time off for pregnant employees antenatal care'.

Don't request leave. Tell them. It is your right.