Work trying to trigger my maternity leave...

[limoncelloo]

36 weeks pregnant and have come down with a chest infection, have seen doctor and prescribed antibiotics.

Wasn't due to start mat leave until 39 weeks all going well, I am working from home at the moment.

Work is trying to trigger my mat leave to begin early, even though policy states this only happens after 36 weeks for "pregnancy related illness". They want proof that my chest infection isn't pregnancy related.

I phoned GP and they said the correct legal procedure is for me to self-certify for 7 days and said I need to come back if I'm still after that for a sick note (I'm sure I won't be!).

I feel like work are really pushing to trigger my maternity leave but... I'm just ill and I should be entitled to sick leave as per normal surely? They even suggested I take my annual leave...

Any help or thoughts appreciated.

It should only trigger your mat leave if it’s pregnancy related like you say.
Could the GP not just write you a letter stating it’s not pregnancy related? Even if they can’t do a sick note.

I think I’d share this with work and ask them into which category they see a chest infection fitting into

icd.who.int/browse10/2019/en#/O20-O29

Well I did explain the situation to the receptionist and that it was the fact that I'm so close to mat leave that seems to be their issue, and she was very snappy (but right in a way!) and asked me what pregnancy related illness my work thinks I'd be given amoxicillin for? She said legally they are in the wrong and said self-cert was the correct procedure.

They can't prove it and the doctor is unlikely to write you a letter to confirm that .

I would take in a self certificate when you get to your 7 days. If they continue to pursue then contact ACAS .

I've been made to feel a bit cheeky from them tbh like why wouldn't I just trigger my mat leave?

Obviously it benefits me not starting my leave now as I get more time with baby at the end but... I'm genuinely ill and it's not to do with me being pregnant.

Just tell them to fuck off op (politely, of course). It’s irrelevant what’s more convenient for them, however much they might prefer it.

This. Don't stand for any nonsense and shut them down with an immediate "no" each time. Rinse and repeat until you actually start mat leave!

I would be furious. Say no it’s not pregnancy related and no they are not to trigger your mat leave. Self certify then get GP note if you need to.
document everything your employer has done and said in case you need it.

Self certify and any problems then contact ACAS for advice. They can’t trigger your mat leave unless it’s pregnancy related absence after 36 weeks.

I'm afraid legally they can trigger it from 36 weeks if you're unwell. Sorry! Probably best for you to just leave and get some rest though.

Oh other posters are saying it has to be pregnancy related - that's good to hear, hopefully you can pushback.