Feeling stuck as my employer said no to WFH whilst I have pregnancy sickness (HG)

[Needsomeguidance103]

Just need a bit of advice. Currently part time (Mon-wed) working at a desk job. Have been here a decent amount of time, close to 7 years. I’m pregnant again and have been diagnosed HG due to pregnancy sickness taking over my life at the moment. I’m coming up to 3.5 months. I’ve been off work on sick leave for about 6 weeks and although some days feel a bit better, realistically do not think I can return to work properly yet.

I have requested WFH as I believe I would be able to do this, but I have been told no.

Just want a bit of advice really, I do believe I could do my job from home. Work want me back in office only. I just feel like I’m losing out on money being on SMP.

Do you mean you are on SSP (statutory sick pay)?

I do not think there is anything you can do about this except continue on sick leave. Perhaps it’s easier for your employer to hire cover in your absence rather than have the uncertainty of you being unwell or less than 100% productive

It’s fair that your employer wants you to be on sick leave when you are too sick to do your job as normal.

Are arrangements already in place for you and other employees to WFH? Policies, equipment, assessments, insurance etc
If not, it's just not something they offer as an employer and they are entitled to take that position.

Are you a trade union member?

If you are not well enough to get into work then you should be on sick leave.

This is the key question. Although you think you can do your job from home your employer disagrees.

If other people doing the exact same job WFH all their hours then you're being discriminated against. Suggest you ask for a review of your WFH request.

If people doing the exact same job WFH some of the time you're not being discriminated against, as you're not well enough to do your full job which employer says includes some or all hours worked in office.

If you're in a trade union ask for advice or talk to Acas, Maternity Action or Pregnant then screwed.

for you - HG sucks!

I do get what you mean. Being able to stay in a controlled environment near comforts can make it bearable enough to work dependent on your role. Annoyingly I think it comes down to if you haven’t had it they don’t understand it. Ondansetron saved my life but I had to go back to work after 8 weeks on reduced hours for a month or so. Even then I can remember having to run out of a customer house to the drain on the pavement to throw up one morning 😭 I was still sick but needed the money. Wouldn’t wish it only any one and hope yours gets better! Mine did around 3rd trimester.

This!