Looking for work whilst pregnant

Jo_R_2

I have been looking for employment over the last month or so. Have been for interviews but not been successful yet.

My "problem" (if you can call it that!) is that I am currently pregnant. Showing slightly but enough to probably not notice if you didn't know. So far I have been applying anyway figuring that I would take things as they come and broach the issue should I get offered anything. However as the weeks are going along it is obviously going to become more noticeable, and I know that the jobs I am looking at now to apply for, I will more than likely be showing should I get to interview stage.

Obviously I am aware that employers cannot discriminate based on pregnancy but being honest... Who seriously is going to want to employ someone who's only probably going to be there for a few months initially then take several months off so soon?

The thing is, I got made redundant in April and I have worked out I may be able to qualify for Maternity Allowance if I can get employment asap to make up my number of qualifying weeks. I am thinking my most realistic option would be to approach an agency about short-term work.

My concern with this is arranging childcare around temping. My oldest has just started school and my youngest is 2, and whilst both of them have been in childcare before (and DD1's school has breakfast and after-school club), I have horrible visions of paying the initial fees for the nursery and paying out for childcare then being told my work has dried up or such like and being obliged to pay for fees I can't afford (if that makes sense!)

Anyone any advice? I'm really keen to get back to work - obviously I'd prefer something permanent but if my best option is temping then I'd happily do it.

cazziebo

I agree - totally wrong - but I think you might find getting a perm position difficult. Unless you work in a particularly specialist field, or an area with high staff turnover, then employers are likely to be very "selective". (Ironically many of them hiring unpregnant people who still leave after a very short time, meaning more recruitment and training!) Not enough employers recruit for talent, many recruit on prejudice.

Hope you find something - PM'd you a suggestion.

x

Jo_R_2

Thanks! Is very frustrating, I've been getting interviews and from my last one got some great feedback which is simultaneously good but frustrating at the same time *pulls hair out!*

I've just been applying in the field I have experience in and it seems my past experience and skills/knowledge is good enough to get me to interview stage. I'm desperate to get back into that field again, and also not least because I need the money with another little one on the way!

Savvy_Sue

There's nothing to stop you signing up with some temp agencies and continuing to apply for permanent work. Plus, if there are any temp jobs going in your chosen field, you might get a permanent offer or at least a "Get in touch when you're ready to go back to work" offer from someone who's seen your skills before No. 3 arrives.

If you were up-front with agencies and ask them to be up-front with you about the chances of getting a steady stream of work once you'd paid for the childcare, hopefully that should work out.

And even if the pregnancy shows, you can't be asked. You might just be overweight, or have a medical condition.

Jo_R_2

Savvy_Sue wrote: »

There's nothing to stop you signing up with some temp agencies and continuing to apply for permanent work. Plus, if there are any temp jobs going in your chosen field, you might get a permanent offer or at least a "Get in touch when you're ready to go back to work" offer from someone who's seen your skills before No. 3 arrives.

If you were up-front with agencies and ask them to be up-front with you about the chances of getting a steady stream of work once you'd paid for the childcare, hopefully that should work out.

And even if the pregnancy shows, you can't be asked. You might just be overweight, or have a medical condition.

I did wonder about the 'is she overweight or pregnant' question LOL! I'm in that in stage where I feel quite blobby but don't have a discernable bump as such (although I can see that's changing little by little!)

I am thinking of contacting local agencies, and completely coincidentally I got the jobs pages earlier on and my old employer is advertising in my area on a new contract so emailed her and she has given me a heads up on the roles so I may have a chance there. Obviously would have to go through interview but looks good, and I could look into 'shorter-term' temping in the meantime as I figure I'd be looking at a good four/five weeks befoe interviews at least and I'm desperate to get into work now!

dacado

Hi
In need of bit of advice have been offered job left previous job 1 week ago had a weeks holiday as part of notice on 4th week came back this week am reading through training notes fron home for new job start in place on monday, have now found out i am pregnant about 9 weeks.
My previous employer has left job open for 28 days so ends next sat, my contract for new job is in the post could arrive by end of week or next week what do i do i really want new job as it is a career change with better prospects, do i tell them asap then if they are not happy go back to previous but then no guarantee will want me back if now know situation i am getting soooo stressed deciding what to do???
Any advice please

Sami_Bee

dacado
You really need to consider weather you can afford to change job, I can't remember how it works now but I have a feeling you won't get any SMP if you started the new job pregnant (any1 confirm/deny?)
but if that's not an issue then go for your new job! you are not obliged to inform your employer you are pregnant until 15 wks (i think) as the preg is generally not considered to be "real" until its been seen on 12wk scan.
Listen to your heart, head and purse and hopefully you'll have an answer!
Jo_R i'm in similar situation got made redundant in july and looking for work but have just found out I'm pg - hope you get sorted x

gordonstights

Sami_Bee wrote: »

dacado
you are not obliged to inform your employer you are pregnant until 15 wks

It's 15th week before your due date, not at 15 weeks

Boppy_2

Yep gordonstights is right, you don't have to tell them until you are 25 weeks pregnant!

Krystaltips

Although be aware that pregnancy shows in more ways than a bump... I lost my job when I was pregnant with DD, I started the job and got pregnant in about the same week so they let me go at 10 weeks pregnant because I 'was not a team player' biggest pile of twoddle ever... They head hunted me and increased the wage offered so I would move to them... I didn't mention I was pregnant as I was waiting for the golden 12th week... However, giving up smoking, running to the loo to throw up and falling asleep at any given opportunity were a bit of a give away...

ekkygirl

Not sure but I think if you have been working until Apr and for 26 or so weeks previous, you would qualify for maternity pay. I think any time you work from now til baby is born would not have counted anyway as entitlement is based on previous contributions. I could be wrong tho!!!