Time off sick whilst pregnant....?

Question

I know this is a sensitive area, but I'm asking this question with very good reason, and I'd rather not have sarcastic answers or a bombardment of angry mothers!

I have a young girl in my team at work who has just discovered she is pregnant. It is unplanned and I know she has been struggling to get her head around it, although she does seem happier now.

Problem is, she is taking quite a lot of time off sick and I am doubting the authenticity of a lot of it. For instance, we have no senior management in this afternoon, and despite her being fine and chirpy this morning, she suddenly announced she was feeling under the weather and got up and went home at luncthime (she is going away for a couple of days tonight, so you tell me an afternoon off sick today isn't dodgy!).

This girl works as part of a team and as well as the workload being affected, the morale of the team is is starting to suffer, which I can quite understand. Any suggestions anyone? If I thought it was genuine..

Answer 1

You have my sympathies - as an HR Manager i know how difficult this can be.

The best way is to treat her just like everyone else. Just because she is pregnant does not mean she has a licence to do what she wants - she still has to play by the rules, although you have to take her condition into account.

Keep a record over a 2 - 3 week period to see if there is a pattern. Also, if your contracts allow, make sure she is aware she will only be paid sick pay - even pregnancy related illnesses ony get sick pay. If she realises she isn't going to get paid she may think twice.

If her absence is obviously swinging the lead, you could look at a disciplinary, just as you would for anyone else. You just need to be more sure of your facts. Keep info on everything, such as how she was in the morning compared to when she went home, etc, etc.

And, of course, please keep an open mind that she just might be telling the truth. Pregnancy can affect different women in different ways and the effects can come on very suddently.

Chances are, unless there is overwhelming evidence (say somebody reliable sees her shopping when she is meant to be ill) its something that may have to be tolerated until she leaves.

Good luck!

Answer 2

I know what it's like to be pregnant and miserable (31 weeks now)...my first trimester was awful. I was so tired it was painful...not to mention feeling queasy and dizzy and all that other stuff...I had quite a few days that I had to go home early because I just couldn't do it anymore...HOWEVER, I always dressed myself and went into work no matter what I was feeling and gave my best effort. If I left early I would make the time up by staying late or coming in early over the next couple days. I also talked with my supervisors about me being absent, etc...

She may be abusing the system (which it kinda sounds like) or she may be genuinely under the weather. I know I could be feeling fine and all smiles one minute and then literally the next second I was wanting to sprint to the bathroom to vomit. Being pregnant is very hard, but that doesn't mean that she can't do the best she can and give 100% effort.

The best thing is to speak with HR or with her directly (privately in a professional manner) about what is going on.

I feel like crap every single day, but I have only missed 2 full days (and I worked from home on those "sick" days!)

Answer 3

I am 31 weeks on my second pregnancy. Whereas my first one went well and I didn't have a day off sick all the way through, this time round I have been plagued with morning sickness, extreme tiredness aswell as every bug going. I am scared that my manager feels the same as you ( I am in a different job from last time) and feel awful for taking the time off work but for my own health and that of the babys I have hed to do this. I don't know what to reccomend but it might help to talk to her about it and see if there is anything you can do at work to help, even if its just assesing her work station.

Answer 4

I was one of those young pregnant people who missed alot. Most of the time I really was sick but part of it was just plain being lazy.I would sit her down and have a serious talk with her explaining the problem with her excessive absenteeism.Now would be a bad time to lose a job especially if really needed.Not to many employers hire pregnant people.It is unfortunate but true.

Answer 5

A lot depends on her contract - it should specify how much paid uncertified sick leave she can take.

You could look into that, and then look at the ACAS link for more help. They are a good resource for employers as well as employees - and it sounds like you're being taken for a ride.
While she may be entitled to take the leave, there's no guarantee she has to be paid for it.

Good luck!
http://www.acas.org.uk/index.aspx?articleid=1184

Answer 6

How about a quiet little word with her - off the record kind of thing to see if there is anything worrying her - rather than making a big issue of it (and I'm not saying you are) - do you have an HR Department you could speak to for advice. You need to be fair and handle it sensitively but if she is pulling a fast one that's not fair! Good luck.

Answer 7

Early pregnancy can be tough i should know I'm suffering from morning, noon and night sickness but this doesn't excuse her just leaving when she feels like it. i understand that her hormones are all over the place but millions of pregnant women go to work everyday! i was one of them! i suffered badly with my first pregnancy but didn't let my team down as i treasured their friendship. i would have a chat to her about all this times shes having off, if she is genuinely unwell then why cant her GP sign her off? i guess when you feel like people are against you then why would you stay around to face it. make it clear you are there for her. if she still acts up then seek advice from human resources. some women think its a free ticket to act up!

Answer 8

Go down the proper channels, she is entitled to time off for appointments however if there is not a valid reason or doctors note, she has to be treat the same as any other employee pregnant or not. If she wasn't pregnant would you accept this?

Answer 9

Unfortunately there are women who will do this, and I have come across a few in my time. There is a difference however between 'time off for antenatal care' which she is entitled too, and sickness, so you will need to check with Personnel to see where you stand.

Answer 10

i would get all dressed and ready for work. going to the toilet every second inbetween getting ready because `i didnt want to call in. but than sometimes sfter getting to work i just couldnt stay. i was dehydrated and was so queezy feeling. it is very possible that she does feel sick as a DOG. it went away for me when i was about 3 months along. give her that much time. in most women their bodies get used to being pregnant around 3 months. so their hormone levels are better so they feel better