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bringing maternity leave forward
hi just looking for some advice/opinions really after asking family, my boss hasn't been the most understanding person during this pregancy and i have 2 weeks left at work but i'm exhusted and wondered if anyone has bought their mat leave forward? Or did you get signed off sick by your GP?
sorry to waffle, lauren 36w x
sorry to waffle, lauren 36w x
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Replies
Speak to your HR dept, if you have one.
Last week at 32 weeks baby dropped into pelvis and head is engaged. I had to go to hospital to check everything was ok which thankfully it was but now Im in pain and struggle to walk never mind work. I had been due to finish at 34weeks than take holiday but I basically said this wasn't going to be possible. HR have told me to go sick for last few days before hol and then have hol and mat leave as planned.
I think they can only force start mat leave depending circumstances and how long it is before going off sick and mat leave. If it had been longer than say 2 weeks difference I think they would have changed my mat leave but then you have to refill forms in etc - so this way it was simpler for everyone. Plus I still get full pay for all of sick leave too - which is something that concerned me too.
Good luck hun!
H xxx
P.S Just wanted to say, its not a competition so don't make yourself feel guilty because you didnt make it as far as you had planned. You just have to think about you and baby and getting a bit of 'me' time before LO's arrival.
I work in Hr and our policy is:
You need to give at least 28 days notice of bringing your mat leave forward, so as you don't have enough time for this this option is out of the question.
I'd recommend you call in sick or get a GP to sign you off. As you are within 4 weeks of the due date and you are having pregnancy related sickness, your company can then make you start your mat leave immediately, which suits you. There is no need to necessarily get signed off as you can self-certify for the first 7 days absence.
The only thing to also consider is, whether you were going to take holiday before starting your mat leave? If so, you may lose the holiday if you don't take it - depends on your company's policy.