Hi everyone, I’m just popping in for some advice and guidance. I have recently found out I was pregnant unexpectedly (currently 8 weeks) the same week my partner lost his job and half of our income. When my partner phoned me at work and informed me of this on Monday (yes he could’ve definitely waited until i wasn’t at work!!) I had a panic attack (I do suffer from panic attacks occasionally) and was sent home by my line manager.
My line manager was prying into why I was so upset about my partner losing his job and I admitted I’d unexpectedly found out I’m pregnant. My line manager then told my main manager without my permission or knowledge.
I followed our work place’s absence procedure and called in with morning sickness and anxiety symptoms on Tuesday and was given a curt answer by my main manager (who didn’t tell me at the time she knew I was expecting). Neither manager called or emailed yesterday to check up on me.
I then rang up again this morning as I feel really unwell with pregnancy and mental health related symptoms and had a scheduled doctors appointment to assess my wellness for work. My main manager informed me she knew I was pregnant and throughout the phone call was unprofessional and abrupt, stating things like:
“Well I’m not going to be able to get cover in for you so it would be ideal if you could come in”
“I’m worried about the level of absence you’ve had off” (2 days currently
“Well your planning time you’re meant to have tomorrow can be used this morning”- threatening to take time I’m owed off me while I attend a medical appointment.
“Your children need you in class”- I’m a teacher and I found this wording very manipulative.
I haven’t been congratulated on my pregnancy or asked how I’ve been feeling while I’ve been off sick furthermore this isn’t the experience that other members of staff have had when they’ve announced their pregnancy.
Following this I have been signed off sick for 1 week effective immediately for pregnancy and mental health related reasons.
Has anyone else been through something similar? What would you do? How do I move forward?