maternity leave / sick note

[hunnybunny73]

i am currently on the additional part of my maternity leave and i'm due to return in december , i have however got psoriatic arthritis and my doctor has started to give me sick notes for this condition as it has got pretty severe, i would like to know if i am able to hand these in during maternity leave and if i would then be paid ssp and also if i have to give notice that i wish to end my maternity leave and be put down as being on sick leave.

[fishtank]

What happens if I am sick during pregnancy, maternity leave, or when I was supposed to return to work?

http://www.worksmart.org.uk/rights/maternity_leave" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

If you are absent through sickness during pregnancy, this should not automatically trigger your maternity leave and you should be treated as every other member of staff who's off sick. You should usually be paid sick pay in the same way as other staff. However, if you are sick during the last four weeks of your pregnancy your employer can insist that your maternity leave starts, although some employers may prefer to overlook odd days of absence.

Once your maternity leave has started, you cannot claim sick pay from your employer if you become ill. If you are sick when your maternity leave is due to end, the usual sickness procedures of your employer will apply to you even if you cannot physically return to work.

You may also have an unfair dismissal, sex discrimination and/or protection from detriment claim if you suffer dismissal or other unfavourable treatment because of a pregnancy-related illness before, during or after maternity leave.

If you have any difficulties with enforcing your rights under these rules, get advice immediately from your union or from a specialist adviser.