I am certain that there will be many readers of the Women24 Careers webpage who will be able to identify with the problem which you are facing at this time.

The first issue that I would like to emphasise is that all employees (other than those in specific environments) are subject to the provisions of the Basic Conditions of Employment Act, 1997. The Act (Section 22) is very clear on the issue of sick leave, namely that a person is entitled to 36 days of paid sick leave in a period of 36 months. The payment of paid sick leave is subject to the producing of a medical certificate.

But, having said this, it does mean that the producing of a medical certificate not suspend the deduction of the sick leave from the 36 sick leave cycle. The medical certificate merely means that the employer will pay the salary of the employee who is away from work for medical reasons.

Once the days taken off for sick leave exceed the 36-day sick leave cycle, the employer can deduct the days from the annual leave or treat the sick leave as unpaid leave. This is usually dependent on the policy of the employee.

It is unfortunate that this situation has now come to pass when you have found you are pregnant. I would like to suggest that you have a discussion with your manager and the HR department and see if there is some concession that could be made to you as regards certain of the leave that you will need to take as a result of your pregnancy.

Good luck – and with your pregnancy!