Pregnancy related sickness

[Namechange32432]

I’m wondering if anyone working in civil service can give me some advice?

I’m 11 weeks pregnant with DC2 and feeling horrendous. I’ve been exhausted from the beginning of my pregnancy but luckily only had the odd day of sickness. However this morning it’s come back with a vengeance and I really don’t know how I’ll manage in work.

My problem is I’m close to hitting my trigger point (trigger point is 4 spells 10 days) as I’ve had 3 spells in the last 10 months (only 3 days if that makes any difference?). If I called in sick today would I hit my trigger point and have formal disciplinary procedures taken against me?

I’ve worked in civil service for 2 years and haven’t experienced this before so not sure how it works.

I don’t know the answer to that. There is an organisation called pregnant and screwed who maybe able to help. Pregnancy related sickness is recorded separately and can’t be used for things like redundancy.

I don't work in the civil service but it's universal in that pregnancy related sickness does not count towards a normal sickness record.

I work in the civil service. I told my LM at 7 weeks that I was pregnant for this exact reason. Are you able to do the same? It meant I had the flexibility to work from home if needed or be off sick without having to record it as being off sick. (At LM discretion).

Also I think they've changed the sickness procedure so the 4 triggers aren't counted anymore as it's up to the LM to manage. To be honest, I didn't read it fully as I'm due off on maternity in a few weeks but pretty sure it's less harsh than the sick recording we had before.

Because you’re pregnant and the sickness/absence is pregnancy related it won’t count towards your triggers.

Assuming you haven’t announced yet either explain when you call in or when you get back. They’ll understand you didn’t want to tell until the twelve week point/after your scan.

Thanks for all your replies.

My LM and HEO are aware of my pregnancy as they had to authorise my flexi to be credited when I had my first antenatal appointment, and also because they noticed I kept disappearing to the toilet every so often when I had sickness a few weeks ago.

Will I need a sick note from the doctor to back it up or will they just take my word for it? I’m planning on being back in work tomorrow, I just feel like I need a day of bed rest (and close proximity to a toilet!)

@Namechange32432 - you can self certify yourself for 5 days. After that you need a sick note. I would honestly sit down with your LM and say to him/her that you're worried about your sick absence but some days you really don't feel well, how should we play this. I wouldn't stress yourself out over it - take today off and say it's because of severe morning sickness but you'd like a chat about it when you're back in.
It will get easier Try some ginger biscuits xx

@Namechange32432 - You shouldn't be using your flexi for antenatal appointments, scans or midwife appointments. You don't need to make that time up as you're employer is expected to allow you time away to attend.

Tired Thank you, that sounds like a good idea! I wasn’t clear about my flexi sorry, they credited the half day back to me because our clocking in system requires us to enter a start and finish time for the hours we worked. They then topped up my flexi to make a full day

@Namechange32432 - Ah makes sense. I've found my place to be so flexible and supportive with how I've felt. Looking back the first 12 weeks were the hardest (I'm 36 weeks now) as you're constantly tired/sicky, plus you can't/don't want to be open with everyone that you're pregnant until after the 12 week scan. One more week to go and you'll feel better when you can be more open

Pregnancy related sickness does not count for trigger points. Also ante natal apts during working time are not an issue. If they are difficult contact your union rep. This needs addressed properly, both for you and other women in your department.

My LM has been great so far, and they’re very flexible in general, so I can’t see any issues arising. I was just concerned about the trigger points. Thank you all for your advice