Getting sent to occupational health for being off sick?

[Lynds77]

Just being told that as my absence has hit 4 instances in a rolling 12 months that I am being referred to occupational health.

Now my last 2 instances have been pregnancy related. One where I was signed off for a week and one that was only a few days as I just felt too tired and poop to work.

Anyone else had problems with work?

 

[Lou12]

I've been really lucky with work - my boss has basically said not to come in if I feel crap.

But where I used to work, a colleague of mine was sent to occy health too by our cow of a boss and they basically said "I don't know what you've been sent here for". Chances are yours will say the same sort of thing!

 

[kat86]

Hey Hun, I had this last time I was pregnant. I'm pretty sure they can't discipline you if it's Pregnancy related! I told my work this and it was withdrawn. Been off sick a lot this time in hospital with flu and they have not mentioned it once Xxx

 

[NinjaKitty]

Hey Hun, I had this last time I was pregnant. I'm pretty sure they can't discipline you if it's Pregnancy related! I told my work this and it was withdrawn. Been off sick a lot this time in hospital with flu and they have not mentioned it once Xxx

Pretty sure this is correct. ACAS can help you out if they are causing you a problem.

 

[Lynds77]

I just got served my papers and my boss is recommending that my right to self cert is removed?! I am really pissed off now.

 

[kat86]

I just got served my papers and my boss is recommending that my right to self cert is removed?! I am really pissed off now.

That's awful!! I'm sure they can't do that!! Xxx

 

[NinjaKitty]

Definitely get in touch with ACAS if need be consult a solicitor who specialises in work issues. They really can't do this.

 

[kat86]

Definitely get in touch with ACAS if need be consult a solicitor who specialises in work issues. They really can't do this.

I agree!! That's awful!! Xxx

 

[Lynds77]

Thanks girls. I don't think they can do this either. I am totally livid and stressing about it. Will do some digging and see what I can come up with

 

[coco_cukoo]

Time off for pregnancy is normally discounted. That's awful! Someone at work printed something off for me about pregnancy at work - have a look on direct gov website. Type direct gov working when pregnant - sorry my phone wont copy the link! I'm sure that should help you out a bit!! Xx

 

[Butterflykisses]

Def can't discipline u whilst off with pregnancy related illnesses. It does go on record but not formally. I had interview after mc with my boss for being off sick cos I hit the triggers but he clarified that nothing would b done. This pregnancy I was off and again hit triggers. My boss tried sending me to OT and I told him it was waste of employers money and my time. He said it was just in case something goes wrong down the line (NICE!!). The appointment he suggested was the next morning on my day off so I told him I couldn't go. It hasn't been mentioned since. Think he mayb got the message.

 

[Lolly85x]

Go and see what they say, it might just be procedure and they will tell you that. But if they try and take it further then defo look into it x

 

[kra0]

By law they can't do anything about your absence if it's pregnancy related. They will record it but have no ground to stand on in terms of discipline etc and if they do try to discipline you they can get in a LOT of trouble lol. Hope u feel better soon xxxx

 

[kentgall8484]

hey i work for the nhs and i recived a written warning for being off sick. I was off sick after having a misscarridge then i was genrally unwell after that and it added up to 4 or five times in a rolling six months. She let me off for having a misscarridge but i still got the disiplin as the others werent pregnancy related. Basicly it doesnt matter how many times you have been off alot of it is up to your manager and her discrestion. Im my case she didnt care. Also in the sickness policy it should tell you this and the maternity policy x

 

[kedi376]

This is the wording on the government site about sickness and pregnancy........

Discrimination and pregnancy
It is unlawful sex discrimination for employers to treat women less favourably because of their pregnancy or because they take maternity leave. For example, this includes:

* trying to cut your hours without your permission
* suddenly giving you poor staff reports
* giving you unsuitable work
* making you redundant because of your pregnancy (you might still be made redundant for other reasons)
* treating days off sick due to pregnancy as a disciplinary issue

Your employer can't change your employment terms and conditions while you are pregnant without your agreement. If they do, they will be in breach of contract.

 

[PeaPod]

As everyone else has said - they can't discipline you for pregnancy related absence. Ive had 6 weeks off in total now (5 weeks in one go signed off by GP and this week self cert) - I still have to go through the return to work process but because it is pregnancy related it doesn't count on my sick record. I would also questions your bosses 'ability' to be able to deny you to self - certify you're sickness.

I'm sure you don't need any of this crap and work and I hope it gets sorted soon!

 

[tweetyfoo]

I just got served my papers and my boss is recommending that my right to self cert is removed?! I am really pissed off now.

They CAN'T do it hun! They can't count your pregnancy sickness in with other sickness .... so it doesn't count! Your gaffer sounds like a charmer!

Unfortunately in our line of work, we are just a number, and they probably haven't put two and two together to come to the conclusion that you are pregnant.

Give HR a ring on Monday and speak to them for advice, failing that ... the Federation