Work economising on heating but I'm pregnant - AIBU?

[ChezhireCatz]

NC for this.
I work for a small firm in a grade two building so it's a bit of a nightmare to heat/light/aircon.

Our director has been moaning about the cost of energy tripling this quarter and started a 'energy cut back initiative' in which we got to submit ideas.

Today we have had an email saying that we must only put the heating on for 2 hours per morning and afternoon, and that air conditioning units will no longer work from next week.

I get it. Times are tight.

But I'm 24 weeks pregnant. I'm very concerned about working in an environment which is unsuitable in terms of heating and cooling.

I can find no guidance on this on the great internet so thought I would ask the wise minds of Mumsnet.... can I object on the grounds of pregnancy?

At least you can see that you're being a 🦙 👸🏻

😂😂

Good Luck With your pregnancy!

...watch for coworkers snuggling up to you!!

I don't think being pregnant really matters unfortunately. I was pregnant at work during the recent heatwave and I was so warm but just dealt with it. You feel so much warmer being pregnant too I'm boiling all the time. Just layer up you will be OK.

I’d expect no issues with using a heat pack or hot water bottle at my desk, or expectation of suitable office attire Ie being told off for being rugged up. That’s for anyone not just those pregnant, I don’t think you can ask them to heat the office for you. I spent a lot of my pregnancy last winter at my desk at home wiht a heat pack.

But you will be warmer than everyone else because you are pregnant, so you will have the advantage over the others in the office. So, no idea how that complaint would work.

Basically you will be sitting there in a jumper while everyone else will be sitting there in a jumper plus thermals. Surely just wear appropriate clothing for your comfort?

We are not all warmer because we are pregnant. I was pregnant last winter and felt even colder than usual with the lack of energy and physical discomfort in moving around.

I'd be keeping a thermometer handy and when it drops before the legal requirement of 16 I'd be going home.

Yeah, or she could act like an adult instead, maybe?

I was absolutely boiling when I was pregnant. I'd be more worried about the aircon being cut off when Sept can be a really warm month.

And the boss is OK to break the law?

Congratulations on your pregnancy, you couldn't have timed it better. I had 2 midwinter babies. You will generate your own central heating.

By the time winter gets its boots on, you’ll be on maternity leave. I really don’t think it’ll be as big a deal as you think it will be.

I ran hot when I was pregnant in the office so didn’t bother me. Before that I was surrounded by menopausal ladies going through hot flushes so would wear as many layers as possible without putting my coat on.
some people will complain it’s too hot, some will say it’s too cold. No office can ever win!

Well we aren't that far removed from the days of 'service' where one of the drivers of people going to work as servants in the big house was that they got to live in a warm environment and get fed.

And also they died more.

Excess winter deaths have halved since the 1970's mainly due to improved heating and insulation as well as better health.