Can work make me take maternity leave early

[sandrat]

I had been off on certified sick leave for to pregnancy complications and then returned to work. I am now sick again with only 7 working days left until maternity leave is due to start. When i rang work I was told that i should take my maternity leave straight away if I am going to continue to be sick. My dates have already been confirmed with social welfare and with work. Surely they can only make me change the dates if the baby is born before maternity leave start date? I am sick (literally a few times a day and am losing more weight) , I have not had the baby, Can they make me start leave early or am I allowed to go on certified sick leave until start date? My boss has already told me I don't look like i should be in work (while looking at my belly) this was after I had to leave early for an emergency scan with consultant having been put on a trace in hospital the night before and i was told to clear my desk of any work before I left for this appointment. I get the impression they want me gone anyway and would rather gain the extra few days back at the end of maternity leave by making me start now. Sorry for the long post.

 

[dodo]

No they cant do this, you just ring them and say you are sick and get a doctors note stating same and send in to them for the 7 days.Then you are officially on your maternity leave.If they tried to force you then they would leave themselves wide open for you to go down the legal route. Think about it say I was sick and went back to work and felt I would be sick for another week could my employer say that week you must take for your holidays.

I had been off on certified sick leave for to pregnancy complications and then returned to work. I am now sick again with only 7 working days left until maternity leave is due to start. When i rang work I was told that i should take my maternity leave straight away if I am going to continue to be sick. My dates have already been confirmed with social welfare and with work. Surely they can only make me change the dates if the baby is born before maternity leave start date? I am sick (literally a few times a day and am losing more weight) , I have not had the baby, Can they make me start leave early or am I allowed to go on certified sick leave until start date? My boss has already told me I don't look like i should be in work (while looking at my belly) this was after I had to leave early for an emergency scan with consultant having been put on a trace in hospital the night before and i was told to clear my desk of any work before I left for this appointment. I get the impression they want me gone anyway and would rather gain the extra few days back at the end of maternity leave by making me start now. Sorry for the long post.

 

[shipibo]

Are you certified sick ?? , ask company to send you a letter stating their position, and this is company policy.

 

[sandrat]

i am certified sick yes and i work in public sector so am hoping this is some mixedup policy my boss has rather than policy for public sector employees?

 

[aircobra19]

Not everyone in the public sector has the same contract or terms and conditions.

You should know your own contract and what your own terms are. If you are unclear about any of it, you should take it up with your HR dept. Perhaps you should ask whoever told you to take maternity leave early, to check what they saying with HR.