Needing some help regarding sickness

mrandmrsm

Hi,
First post here, just really needing some help.
Basically in July 2009 I had an accident at work causing a bad injury to my neck and further damage to an existing back problem.
My employer has admitted liability for the accident.
I went back to work, under my GP's guidance on 17/06/2010.
Unfortunately on 24/06/2010 I got food poisoning and was off work until 6/7/2010.
My went are trying to use this as a reason say I have an emerging pattern of sickness and I think they are going to try and get ride of me now.
I really want to stay, I enjoy the job and the other people in office its just the management that have it in for me.
Is there anything I can do to stop them from getting rid of me???
Oh and I'm also 4 weeks pregannt obviously I haven't told work yet but need this job now more than ever!

SarEl

You need to get hold of the employers policy on managing sickness / capability. But the cause of your sickness isn't relevant, only the fact that you have had certain periods of sickness and this has triggered the process. But without knowing what that process is it is hard to give specific advice.

Uncertain

Many employers are terrified of the possibility of discriminating against a pregnant woman (often out of all proportion to the true risk).

Given the circumstances I wonder if this is a case where attack is the best form of defence?

I would be tempted to respond along the lines "First your were responsible for my accident causing me to be off work for a considerable time. Now, your disproportionate response to a brief period of medically certified sickness is causing me additional stress which is particularly unwelcome as I am pregnant". Then see what happens!

I would think there is a good chance they will retreat and keep their heads down!

mrandmrsm

Wow Uncertain!!
Sounds like an idea - will they take my pregnancy seriously at 4 weeks though?
I have thought of telling them, I just can't stand the management and was concerned that this would just give them an bigger desire to get rid of me.
Just thoughts as I'm really confused and scared.
Love the company just not the management and I really want to be a part of the team again but management seem determined!

Googlewhacker

mrandmrsm wrote: »

Wow Uncertain!!
Sounds like an idea - will they take my pregnancy seriously at 4 weeks though?
I have thought of telling them, I just can't stand the management and was concerned that this would just give them an bigger desire to get rid of me.
Just thoughts as I'm really confused and scared.
Love the company just not the management and I really want to be a part of the team again but management seem determined!

It definately makes companies think more about going through capability dismissals (and they cannot use any sick time of for pregnancy reasons against you) but I think that whilst none of this is your fault you should try and see it from the managers point of view, regardess of the reasons you have been off for a large period of time and then you come back and almost immediatly you are off again....your reliability comes into question here plus the added stress on your colleagues and management as they have to faff around trying to sort out you being off again.

Best thing is that you try and not go off sick untill you go on maternity leave to show you are reliable and in time this all gets forgotten

teabelly

Nearly two weeks off just for food poisoning?! I'm not surprised your employer is getting a little anxious! I'd follow uncertains advice. I don't think they'll take it well though...

Googlewhacker

TBH, I think this will all blow over as long as you don't go on the sick again. Food poisoning is not like a reoccurring illness so is not likely to affect you for a long time and cause a problem and they will find it very difficult to legally sack you for two periods of sickness regardless of how close they are to one another, it is when it does become reoccuring and you are constantly off for a few weeks here and there