Not sure what to do...

[moss]

I'm very stressed lately (long story in adult only section) and last night it took me probably a couple of hours to calm down. I was breathing heavily, my heart was kind of racing, my baby was squirming a lot more than usual, and I felt hot. Then I got cramp feelings throughout my abdomen. That can't be good.

The source of my stress is money, so I have to keep working, but at the same time, I feel like I shouldn't be working anymore because I'm so stressed! I am only a temp so I can't just go off on holiday and I'm pretty sure I'm not eligible for even statutory sick pay. My MA application is being sent off this week so I will be lucky if it is processed in time for my planned leaving date of 30 July. It's only three weeks but after last night I'm scared I'm doing myself and my baby harm.

*edit* I just checked and I am definitely NOT eligible for sick pay of any kind. Looks like I'm going to have to risk staying in work.

 

[Daffodil]

I haven't read your story, will pop over there and have a look.

What a difficult position to be in! sounds awful.

Firstly, find out for definate about sick pay and stuff. You have rights even if you are a temp. I will ask my OH he works in employment law.

Secondly, do you know any methods to try and relax? I got a CD off ebay which is hypnosis for pregnancy and it starts with a relaxation which is really effective. It helps having the person on the CD talk you through relaxing your body.

Also, talk to your midwife if you can so she can check you over physically.

 

[moss]

Hi thanks... Well I looked on the work and pensions website and it says something along the lines of under no circumstances is SSP payable within 39 weeks of the qualifying period of MA. I am six weeks into my qualifying period. I am barely managing on my full wages as it is, anyway, and there is no possibility of my husband getting extra hours at work so I feel pretty trapped!

 

[HideiLu]

Hi hun

First of all have some of these

I too am temping and working right up to the week before.

Is there any way your temp agency can pay holiday pay? It is certainly worth checking as there were new laws brought in that meant temp workers were also entitled to holiday pay, but every agency seem to operate it differently.

With mine, they deducte a percentage of my hourly rate each week, then when I want to take holiday, I book it in and the money kept aside is then paid to me.

I was able to take 2 days off last week, and saving the rest incase I want to take a week at the end.

Hope you get some answers and things sorted soon, going to check your other thread now.

 

[moss]

Hi HideiLu. My agency pays holiday, but I haven't earned much because I have only been working for them since May. I have half days on Wednesdays because of antenatal class (which I might give up to earn more money) and have been forced to take a few days because of my SPD, so this week I am getting 3 hours less pay than normal. For the next two Fridays I have to take holiday because of antenatal appointments, so I will be getting even less! I hadn't planned for these things, so I'm in huge trouble, just weeks before I'm due... I'm trying not to panic. I wish I had a rich relative! Ha....

 

[HideiLu]

Aww hun not sure what else to suggest

We did manage to save £150 in Babies are us the other day! £100 off the travel system which I'm very impressed with, easy to use, light and compact (Graco Metrosport TS) it is currently now on sale for £149 instead of £249 if that's of any help.

The rest of the discount was from money off vouchers they sent in the post from joining their baby club, and vouchers in their catalogue. (We just ran things through the til seperately to make the most of the £5 off when spending £30 then £10 off when spending £70 plus lots of discounts in store.

A lot of other stuff we've nabbed off ebay and been visiting the baby charity shop here and managed to get some great bargains.

I was getting really stressed a while ago as felt like we had nothing ready, and no money to get it, but we've managed on very low wage, and think everyone spends by their means.

OH was in a panic from looking online the 'average' cost of raising a child, until I pointed out that is upped by people on massive incomes splashing out on extras.

Have you also tried freecycle?

With regards to benefits, have you had a chat with a CAB advisor? x