Would you tell a potential employer you are pregnant?

sammyjo1979

Thanks LazyDaisy, I agree with Uncertain, that is the best comment!

I understand all views on this and respect everyones opinions but why should I throw away my legal rights?

woody01

sammyjo1979 wrote: »

Thanks LazyDaisy, I agree with Uncertain, that is the best comment!

I understand all views on this and respect everyones opinions but why should I throw away my legal rights?

Nobody has suggested you should.
The fact is though, whether its a legal right or not, is that you will infuriate your potential employer and fellow work mates by doing so.

If i was treated like this by a potential employee, then rightly or wrongly, they would never move up in my estimation (or business), as i would feel that any kind of trust was broken from the outset.

Uncertain

woody01 wrote: »

Nobody has suggested you should.
The fact is though, whether its a legal right or not, is that you will infuriate your potential employer and fellow work mates by doing so.

If i was treated like this by a potential employee, then rightly or wrongly, they would never move up in my estimation (or business), as i would feel that any kind of trust was broken from the outset.

In which case you would be guilty of discrimination and leave yourself open to an unlimited compensation claim - which you would richly deserve!

zzzLazyDaisy

woody01 wrote: »

If i was treated like this by a potential employee, then rightly or wrongly, they would never move up in my estimation (or business), as i would feel that any kind of trust was broken from the outset.

It is precisely because of that sort of attitude that these discrimination laws were introduced in the first place.

And if OP had a disability that wasn't immediately obvious, and didn't tell you at interview, I guess you'd feel that you'd be equally justified in (unlawfully) discriminating against that person?

sammyjo1979

woody01 wrote: »

If i was treated like this by a potential employee, then rightly or wrongly, they would never move up in my estimation (or business), as i would feel that any kind of trust was broken from the outset.

Treated like what? I don't legally have to tell an employer till 25 weeks anyway, this is about my conscience I guess really.

However, I have to say, your comment makes me think that you would be someone that wouldn't employ someone that is pregnant.

pjcox2005

I don't know, I'm just throwing this into the mix:

For those who say don't tell as why should you throw away your legal rights...this seems fair enough, but when pregnant I assume (only from what I've seen at work) that the individual often requires more leeway than legally entitled to. Would you be annoyed if this wasn't given by the employer.

I'm thinking leeway on work performance if your having a bad day e.g. over tired, basics like that.

As I say I don't know, perhaps you wouldn't expect any leeway, I just think if you don't tell the potential employer you should expect to get the minimum assistance as set out in law and nothing else based on the above reasoning for not saying anything. Seems like that could make a pregnancy harder.

sammyjo1979

I wasn't even aware that that sort of leeway was given! I know they have to give you time off for midwife appointments etc.

The thing is, I'm not saying I won't tell an employer, it's just when? At the interview or on offer of the job.

Tigsteroonie

sammyjo1979 wrote: »

I wasn't even aware that that sort of leeway was given! I know they have to give you time off for midwife appointments etc.

The thing is, I'm not saying I won't tell an employer, it's just when? At the interview or on offer of the job.

All I would say is, if you wait until the offer of a job, make sure you get the offer in writing first! Otherwise it's your word against theirs if they rescind the offer.

mountainofdebt

Not having a go at the OP but this is one reason why OH won't employ women.

As a small business employer, he can't afford to employ a woman and then her go off for a year on maternity leave.

Yes he might be missing out on 50% of the population but in his industry, certainly at the moment, he can afford to do so.

doodlesmum

Me personally i would say nothing then you get the job on your merits .To be honest if an employer has women on their workforce then is it not fair assumption that the possibility of pregnancy is there so they should allow for it sooner or later
Good luck with the interview

Doodlesmum