Sick Leave Due to Pregnancy

Pregnant employees are more likely to have higher levels of sickness absence. Pregnancy-related sickness absence can vary from other sickness absences. As an employer, you must make reasonable adjustments for pregnant workers.

This guide will consider pregnancy-related sick leave from an employer perspective.

We’ll also look at common reasons for sick leave during pregnancy, making reasonable adjustments and pregnancy leave sick pay.

What are the reasons for sick leave during pregnancy? There are several reasons an employee might need to take time off work sick whilst pregnant.

Here are a few common pregnancy-related illnesses:

• Vomiting or morning sickness

• Backache

• Tiredness

• Stomach pains

• Bleeding

• Headaches

• Fainting

Employees should report pregnancy-related sickness absences like regular sickness absences. Employers can ask workers to provide a doctor’s note confirming that the absence is pregnancy related.

Recording pregnancy-related sickness You must record pregnancy-related sickness absences separately from standard sick leave.

This is because pregnancy-related leave should not put employees at a disadvantage. It’s unlawful to discriminate against employees because they take more time off on sick leave during pregnancy.

So, make sure you don’t penalise employees who take more time off when they are pregnant.

Workplaces might have different rules and reporting systems for employee absence. For example, when employees reach a certain number of absences, they may trigger a written or formal warning.

Employees who need to take time off sick when pregnant should not be subject to these same conditions.

Sickness in the later stages of pregnancy If employees take pregnancy-related sick leave in the four weeks leading up to their due date, then their maternity leave will start immediately.

You would then need to start paying the employee maternity pay from this date. In some cases, the employer and employee can agree to delay the beginning of maternity leave.

Our Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) provides guidance and supports your employees during pregnancy and with their mental health in the workplace and in life.