Pregnancy related sickness absence

Where an employee is absent for a reason related to their pregnancy, they should still follow the normal absence notification procedures, but the pregnancy related absence should be recorded separately from other sickness absence and should not count towards any review points. The employee will be paid sick pay (occupational and statutory sick pay (SSP)), however SSP is only payable until four weeks prior to the due date.

Pregnancy related absence may include:

• morning sickness (nausea and vomiting)
• fatigue
• headache
• backache
• bleeding

Where an employee is absent for a reason unrelated to their pregnancy, normal sickness absence procedures will apply. If it is unclear whether an illness is pregnancy-related, the employee can be asked to provide a fit note from a registered healthcare professional.

If an employee is off work with pregnancy-related illness within 4 weeks of the due date, maternity leave begins automatically on the day after the employee’s first day off. Once maternity leave starts then maternity pay is paid instead of sick pay.

Further information relating to pregnancy, including risk assessments and support available, can be found via the following web pages:

Employees: Maternity leave

Managers: Managers maternity guide