pregnant and working in a pub?

Question

i am 14 weeks pregnant, and so far it hasnt been an easy pregnancy, and having a lot of time off, my employer has been very understanding. i would like to know if i am entitled to start maternity leave early due to my ongoing sickness, and be paid for it? i know that normally you cant start your leave before 11 weeks before your babys due date, but thats a long way off for me and i am struggling! also does anyone know if working in a pub, ie. a smokey environment, if you are entitled to extended leave or any other special rights anyway?? looked on the web but cant seem to find anythink. if anyone has ever had a similar problem or know of any websites to look on i will appreciate it. or just some advice! i cant afford to just leave my job, i need the money! thank you

i live in the uk

Answer 1

If you are in the UK your employer has a responsibility to carry out a risk assessment for you and your job. At this point you are too early to take maternity leave but should not be expected to take annual leave because you cannot attend work. A previous answer has given you a .gov website where you should be able to find information. The Department for Work and Pensions is a good resource website which has a downloadable leaflet on risk assessment..

Answer 2

I had trouble with my job - I worked in a call centre and I found sitting down very hard on my back, plus I was suffering from sickness, so I took extended sick leave from about 14 weeks pregnant up until I could take my maternity leave - I actually handed in my notice just before this because I had a lot of holiday pay owing to me.

If you have been working for 26 weeks out of the 66 weeks before your baby is due you will get Maternity Allowance from the Government so you won't need to have an employer to get maternity pay. You can always look for another pub job after the baby is born, they are easy to find.

You are entitled to a "risk assessment" if you are pregnant and at work where they look at any risks your job might have for you or the baby and either remove the risks, find you alternative employment or suspend you on full pay.

Answer 3

1. No you can't start maternity early, but you could take annual leave from your normal entitlement.

2. No you would not be entitled to any extra or extended leave simply because you work in a pub.

The direct.gov website gives all the details of time off etc

You also don't say how long you have worked at the pub or for what hours, I mention that as there are qualifying criteria for SMP

My wife was in the same situation as you

Answer 4

I worked in a pub up until I was felt I had to leave, standing on you feet for long periods really takes it out of you!, you can leave early by recommendation from your doctor if your health is at risk, but to be honest ask your employer to change your shifts, and dont do any heavy stuff, on your breaks sit down and take the weight of your feet, dont glass collect when the pubs busy, drunks arnt very thoughtful, you'll miss work if you go of too early. Hope this helps, congradulations and good luck withh the new baby.

Answer 5

My employers in my call centre were thankfully really kind when I was pregnant. I was told I didn't need to do anything I felt like I couldn't do, and whenever I needed to take a break or go to the toilet I was entitled to it. I got paid for every minute I need to be away from my desk apart from my scheduled breaks and was still paid for antenatal appts and classes. I was also told I would get paid time off if anyone in the office had infectious diseases like chickenpox and had to keep me away from them!
Your employer can't endanger you or your baby's health by making you do things like heavy lifting or going into a smokey enviroment. But, if your employer feels it is part of your role in this job and it cannot be kept from you then he may suggest letting you go, or recommending that you go elsewhere as you know this job isnt suitable for you anymore. I would check with your boss or head office what your rights are.

Good luck, and hugs for your bump! x

Answer 6

It depends on where u live at....in the states everyone is entitled to FMLA if they have worked for the company for at least a year...the leave goes for 12 weeks but it is unpaid....the act states that ur employer cannot fire u before, during, or after the pregnancy...actually that may be another act...but everyone is entitled to FMLA (Family Medical Leave Act).....Working in a smoky environment isn't the healthiest thing for the baby...but if that is ur job there isn't much u can do....i recommend drinking ginger ale and eating ginger snaps if you are nauseous....and get as much sleep as possible...most pregnancies get better the farther along u come. Hang in there ..it is worth it!!!

Answer 7

The best thing to do is go to your CAB, there are so many things that effect your answer.... How many hours a week you work? if your full or part time? if your going back to work once you have had the baby.... I was off work loads as was sick from 5 weeks. I got paid normally for a while full time wages normal rate,then the stat mat pay started. Every employer is different. CAB should be able to help and they would be able to say where you stand legally.
Good luck xx

Answer 8

Unfortunately many small employers are not covered by some laws. If you are in the US, you have to check your states labor board. (you gave no clue about your location and that was the info that actually counted)

Answer 9

here in scotland we have the smoking ban so thats not a problem just dont be lifting anything heavy boxes of beer etc. and try to sit as much as possible.

Answer 10

you cant go on maternity leave just yet but you could get your doctor to sign you off work on the sick.