Job offer whilst pregnant but employer doesn't realise!

cte1111

Congratulations - both on your pregnancy and your new job. I think you've done exactly the right thing, you needed a job, so you've gone out there and got one - well done, it's not easy at the moment.

The fact that you're pregnant should make no difference at all, I'm really horrified by all the nasty people that have popped up to air their prejudices on this thread.

I discovered I was pregnant shortly after starting a new job a few years ago. When I told my boss (after 3 months) his reaction was 'Oh god', which was not very nice for me but as I had been asked discriminatory questions in my interview, I guess this was to be expected.

I received Maternity Allowance, which was about £100 a week for 6 months, it sounds like you would receive this too, as you have been working and paying NI for most of the qualifying period. You are entitled to 6 months maternity leave, no matter how long you have been working for your employer. You also accrue holiday leave during this period and may well be able to add paid leave to the beginning or end of your maternity leave.

If I were in your situation, I would let your boss know as soon as you start the job. Present it as the good news that it is, hopefully they will be sensible and congratulate you and kick off their maternity process - health & safety checks etc.

Please try not to let them sexist men on here put you off, they obviously like to upset people.

pookienoodle

O.P
could you not give your new employer a quick ring asking if they need to do a pregnant worker risk assesment before you start work?
That way they will know, and you are making it clear you are not hiding your pregnancy and assumed they were aware of it.
good luck,what is to say that anyone else taking the job wouldn't of left quickly too.

Fire_Fox

OP if you are based a long way away from your nearest Job Centre you can sign on by post (or at least you used to be able to).

ladyV

Well done on the job and baby.
Legally there is no need to disclose your pregnancy so you have done nothing wrong.
I think you should take the job as it is hard out there at the moment - I have just been made redundant and am looking too.
You didn't say when you last worked but if you had claimed benefits you would have had your NI contributions paid for you.
So if anybody is in a situation where they are eligible to claim but choose not to, be aware that you will not be getting your full stamp paid. Even though £64.30 a week isn't much, it makes sense to get your NI conts paid so you get your full pension when the time comes.

RLH33

cte1111 wrote: »

You are entitled to 6 months maternity leave, no matter how long you have been working for your employer. You also accrue holiday leave during this period and may well be able to add paid leave to the beginning or end of your maternity leave.

The 6 months maternity leave has now been increased to 12 months, 9 months of which you get SMP/MA. You then take the remaining 3 months as unpaid leave if you want to, otherwise you can go back to work.

OP - congratulations on the way on both having a baby and managing to get a job in these difficult times. I am currently pregnant but luckily I work for some lovely people in a large organisation where all the issues raised are dealt with very pragmatically.

I don't think you have done anything wrong, you have stayed within the law. The only thing I would watch out for is their reaction when you do tell them. If they are fine about it then brilliant, if not then be careful of any problems that may/may not arise once you start work that gives you the impression they are trying to force you out. If this happens then you could look at it pragmatically and say 'that's life' and be thankful of the months you did have work or you could then take them to an employment tribunal

sofietrouble

Sorry for leaving this for so long, but I've had a hectic few weeks!

Well I rang up the company and said I would love to accept their job offer, but I thought I should also let them know that I am pregnant.

Straightaway the HR lady said 'That's great. Are you able to come in to do your induction tomorrow at 9am? Kevin (that's the agency guy) did mention that you were pregnant, you can tell me your plans for your maternity leave after the induction and we can organise everything then?'

I felt so shocked... and a bit silly for all that worrying also. Can't believe they are so fine about me being pregnant and wanting to go on maternity leave!!

As it turns out, I will be entitled to maternity allowance, and will take 9 months off after the birth. Though I am enjoying this job so much, I may be tempted to come back sooner, if my husband can organise to be there to look after the baby as well whilst it is still really little.

So if you are pregnant and job hunting, don't give up hope! Pregnancy isn't a terminal illness and shouldn't put off any employer as long as you can do your job with no risk to yourself or the baby.

Thanks everyone for all the advice on here, al the different views have made interesting reading!

98jdougl

Sounds like you have been lucky and have found a really understanding company (as they should be, but we all not that isnt always the case) which shows that they will appreciate you and will hopefully provide a good working relationship for a good time to come
So happy for you on all three fronts (baby, job, company)
you must be well happy

zzzLazyDaisy

Thanks for coming back to up-date us. I am so pleased to hear that you are enjoying your new job and that your employer is being supportive.

:beer:

DON79

congratulations sofie, they sound like a great employer, enjoy the job and am pleased for you!

pookienoodle

glad it worked out for you.
It was a bit naughty of Kevin to tell them though wasn't it?