Trying to work when experiencing NVP
If you are struggling with your employers whilst suffering with NVP or HG, this page offers some practical tips and signposts to people who can help.
HG and Work
Whilst work is a large responsibility of most people’s lives remember to take care of yourself primarily. Even if your symptoms come under control you do need to ease yourself back into work, doing too much at once can put you right back at square one.
Once you have told your employer that you are pregnant, they have duties to fulfil and accommodate your pregnancy and the symptoms which you are currently experiencing. If your direct line manager isn’t proving to be helpful, it is always worth contacting your HR department who can put a plan in place. You are protected by the Equalities Act 2010, and when your employer knows that you are pregnant you cannot be discriminated against, disciplined, or made redundant due to any pregnancy-related sickness or leave you take, and your employer has a duty of care and must maintain privacy and dignity at work.
Listen to the Hyperemesis Files podcast - Episode 7, Series 1 and hear from employment solicitor Danielle.
INFORMATION FOR EMPLOYEES
Please click here for a downloadable information sheet about information for employees and Nausea & Vomiting in Pregnancy (NVP) and Hyperemesis Gravidarum (HG).
INFORMATION FOR EMPLOYERS
More information coming soon!
MATERNITY DISCRIMINATION
The Equality Act 2010, states that it is unlawful to treat an employee unfavourably because they are pregnant or have a pregnancy-related illness. This is a “day one” right – an employee is protected against pregnancy discrimination from the date they become pregnant. NB: An employee is only protected from discrimination if their employer knows they’re pregnant.
Examples of unfavourable treatment could include:
- being demoted
- denied an annual review
- refused a pay rise or bonus
- having responsibilities removed (unless agreed due to health and safety concerns)
- being excluded from meetings
- having work taken away.
If an employer breaches the Equality Act, the employee has the right to raise a formal grievance or bring a Tribunal claim against both the employer and any individuals involved in the treatment.
Pregnancy related illness
It is against the law to treat an employee unfairly or less favourably because of a pregnancy-related illness.
A pregnancy-related illness is any form of illness, condition or symptom linked to a pregnancy or the loss of a pregnancy, which includes Nausea & Vomiting in Pregnancy and Hyperemesis Gravidarum (HG).
For more information, please contact our partners, Pregnant & Protected www.pregnantandprotected.co.uk
Useful links for sufferers and employers
Pregnant & Protected – our partners, a team of specialist solicitors focused on pregnancy and maternity rights in the workplace
Pregnant Then Screwed – offers legal advice, support and information regarding maternity rights
ACAS – information on employment law
Maternity Action – protecting maternity rights in employment, social care and healthcare
Citizens Advice – what you can do if you are not receiving maternity rights
Working Families – national charity for working parents and carers
Gov UK – taking sick leave
Gov UK – employers’ legal obligations
Equality Human Rights – information on equality and discrimination
“My boss said that when his wife had morning sickness she was able to get to work – that was helpful.”
Ingrid Klein | Shropshire