URGENT HELP
I’m in my second trimester, I work for an agency doing admin work. Today I called In sick because my body was hurting feeling drained and I have an on going headache!
I don’t think I’ll be able to go In because I’m still feeling the same!
I’m contracted until December 31st.
When I was in my first trimester I had a few off days of sickness due to severe dehydration, morning sickness and 4 weeks of diarrhea (I was in hospital)
Can work dismiss me for this I’m so stressed because I want to work but I’m not well! They haven’t even done a desk assessment since I first told them I was pregnant (over 2 months ago) my back hurts cause of the desk chair and the computers are not leveled as they’re supposed too!
Can someone kind advice ?
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Very helpful thank you
You legally can’t discipline a pregnant employee for pregnancy related sickness you’re protected by the equality act. If you’re off sick within a certain period before due date they can start your maternity leave early but that’s very much later on down the line and if you’re contracted then you won’t be going on maternity leave presumably!
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No they can’t dismiss you based on illness, unless there is something in your contract that states otherwise but generally sick leave can’t be penalised, though may be paid at stat. Would just make sure you have any required medical notes and open communication with them. They should be carrying out a risk assessment each trimester. Obviously some may miss the first as won’t have told yet but sounds like they are aware. You could also request working from home, they don’t have to agree to it but should consider especially if temporary and you could work in this way. I think I would meet with my manager/HR and clarify sick leave/pregnancy rights under your contract. Generally though pregnancy is pretty well protected.