Partner pregnant, had to call in sick

Toonarmy · Post by **Toonarmy** » 30 Jun 2016, 15:59

I'm probably worrying too much here but just thought I'd check if anyone could reassure me
On this. My partner is 31 weeks pregnant and this morning she had pains in her stomach, this being our first child we panicked and decided to go to the hospital which resulted in me ringing in work and explaining that I wouldn't be in work today. Manager didn't seem too pleased on the phone when I told him I couldn't come to work. I was off sick recently about a month ago and was just wondering if I would get a stage 1 absence due to this??

Oh and the Mrs is fine was just something called Braxton hicks which is apparantly pretty common :)

Surreypostie · Post by **Surreypostie** » 30 Jun 2016, 16:02

Did you tell him you were not coming in due to being sick yourself? I think that question is quite important.

Toonarmy · Post by **Toonarmy** » 30 Jun 2016, 16:03

Sorry should have been more clear on that, nope told him I was taking partner to hospital and most likely wouldn't be at work today

DocketLefty · Post by **DocketLefty** » 30 Jun 2016, 16:07

Always put family first - Don't worry about it.

Surreypostie · Post by **Surreypostie** » 30 Jun 2016, 16:09

I personally think you should get paid time off as in my opinion that would come under a family emergency. This is what RM's own policies says:

• Time off for dependants: is where there is an immediate need to make alternative care arrangements for a
dependant (e.g. an employee’s child minder is unexpectedly sick). There is a legal entitlement to offer time off
and one day off unpaid is normal, with further days either unpaid or covered by annual holiday
• Family emergencies: A family emergency is when time off is required to deal with something more urgent/
serious, for example, a dependant gives birth, is injured or dies. We usually offer a paid day off (up to three
days depending on circumstances - use your discretion), with further days unpaid/covered by holiday
• Bereavement: If an employee loses somebody close to them, be supportive, sensitive and accommodating,
giving them time to deal with their loss. The amount of time required will vary depending on the relationship
and the circumstances of the bereavement. For immediate family members (spouse, partner, sibling,
child, parent), offer up to one week off with full pay. For other family members (e.g. grandparents or
parents-in-law), offer a paid day off to attend the funeral. For wider family and friends, help to facilitate
shift-swaps, agree for the employee to make the time up, or offer one unpaid day off/one day
of holiday to attend the funeral
• Family events: Employee’s may ask for time off to go to family events, for example, a wedding. (remember
that often, the employee has no control over the date/time of these events.) The first option would be to try
and arrange holiday. Where this is not possible, try your best to arrange for the employee to make up the time,
swap shifts or take unpaid time off
• Long-term care for a dependant: We should support employees who are faced with looking after a
dependant who is ill or unable to care for themselves. Be supportive and if possible, we should offer
alternative shift patterns or a flexible working arrangement. Alternatively, 6 months time off unpaid
or a career break of up to two years can be arranged

Toonarmy · Post by **Toonarmy** » 30 Jun 2016, 16:22

Thanks Surrey!!
Im sure I'm just worrying too much for nothing and I feel a lot better after reading these replys!

Post by **TrueBlueTerrier** » 30 Jun 2016, 16:26

speak to your rep and ask him to go into any meeting you have with the Manager.

The manager may try to put you down as sick and that might invoke a stage. He shouldn't and a decent rep will stop him.

However, he could also go for 1 days unpaid leave and if so you'll be down a day's wages next week.

With the rep present, and have a meeting with him first, you may be able to work back the day, or even get it as a 1 days Special Leave Paid (unlikely though).

Weigh your options up with the rep, only you really know what's better for you.

Congratulations by the way.

Post by **POSTMAN** » 30 Jun 2016, 16:34

Braxton hicks is very common, it's practice contractions.
Congrats.

Post by **Trolleyed** » 30 Jun 2016, 18:36

Had a similar thing about 6 months ago. Rushed other half into hospital at 34 weeks cos she was in pain ( she's a midwife as it happens and yes, Braxton hicks is common ). Phoned manager who was great about the whole thing. Turned out to be pneumonia and I had 3 days off, 1 special leave, 2 days annual leave. Went back to work and then baby came 5 days later!

On a separate note, did end up with a stage 1 cos I had 2 weeks off with tendonitis last month. Can't win them all I suppose.

maisymoo04 · Post by **maisymoo04** » 30 Jun 2016, 22:43

Probably s**t himself incase had to take it out himself

DirtyHarry · Post by **DirtyHarry** » 01 Jul 2016, 13:59

maisymoo04 wrote:Probably s**t himself incase had to take it out himself

That would be more like it !