Job ending, Pregnant and Mortgage?!?!?!

djdido2

Hi all


Can anyone help. Told this morning that my job is not safe (12 month contract due to run out 21 June 11). Very unlikely that I will be kept on by the Company that has won the new contract.

I am nearly four months pregnant, single and also have two dependents under 16, I cannot see who would realistically take on as an employee. I have a mortgage, really really stressed out as I dont even know where to go next???

I am more than willing to work and do not wish to rely on benefits but I dont see what choices I have in this position.

Please help!!!

JodyBPM

Will you not be TUPE'd over? (or is that only a public sector thing?)

Don't panic!

Plan A has to be keeping your existing job if at all possible.

Plan B - find another job! At 4 months pg, I am sure you could dress to hide the bump, plus it is illegal to descriminate you due to pg (although I am sure it does happen). But there is no reason to assume that no-one will employ you at 4 mths pg.

Plan C - there is the benefits safety net. With 3 dependents under 16, you would get a fair amount in tax credits, plus all the CB, plus income support, plus council tax benefit, plus possibly some help with mortgage interest. I am sure if you ask over on the benefits board, you will get some good advice about what you would be entitled to!

Good luck!

shy-but-need-help

Great advice above, in addition to that I'd suggest take a look to see if your mortgage allows a baby break.

djdido2

Signed a 12 month contract that ends next month so I dont think I will be offered TUPE, just guessing but think the permanent staff have signed TUPE but not those that were taken on a 12 month contract.

I know that I may get help with Mortgage Interest, I just wondered how this works as I am sure it can take some time to apply and qualify and I cant see the Mortgage waiting for this for long period of time.

If I was successful in finding work pregnant, what happens re Maternity Rights.

Thank you so much for your replies and your time.


xxx

brians_daughter

can only help with the mat rights.

I found new employemnt at 16 weeks preg. I wasnt entitled to SMP, but maternity allowance instead - more or less the same but you dont get 90% for 6 weeks. To qualify you need to have worked at least 26 weeks of the last 66, which you clearly have.

I was told i had to make time up for midwives appointments or take it unpaid - where as usually you get reasonable time off etc, dunno if thats strictly legal but i wasnt going to argue seeing as they took a gamble and employed me.

You need to speak with your lender now, as in today and warn them whay MAY happen. That way they can work with you NOW and give solutions etc - it will be a weight off your mind and you dont need the stress of what if's whilst pregnant

brians_daughter

Also, from memory of a family member who needed assistance with mortgage interest i think she had a period of 16 weeks before she could qualify - dont take my word on that as it was a few years ago now. I am sure a quick search on the DWP site will tell you

brians_daughter

http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/MoneyTaxAndBenefits/BenefitsTaxCreditsAndOtherSupport/On_a_low_income/DG_180321

13 weeks according to the link above

Clarieloo

Hi

I am in a similar boat but currently 6 months pregnant. I don't have any other children and my husband works but our mortgage is such that I will need to have a job after mat leave. I have been told by my Union that as I have reached 25 weeks pregnant and told my employer my intended date to start mat leave that I will now still qualify for all my maternity pay even if I am made redundant between now and before mat leave starts. This will also apply if I am made redundant while on mat leave.

My understanding if you are made redundant before 25 weeks pregnant you should still qualify for Maternity Allowance (someone has already mentioned how this works above).

Basically if you can, the best thing would be to get to 25 weeks pregnant and hand in your MatB1 form which should then get the ball rolling for your SMP. You can then start to look for another job while off on Mat Leave (as I am probably going to have to do).


ETA: You are always entitled to a full 52 weeks off but of course some of this will be unpaid.

Good luck
xx

michelle1506

I got my MAT B1 form after 20 weeks from my midwife. I would suggest you get it after 20 weeks, hand it in to your employer, and put it in writing exactly when you want to start your maternity leave from. You should be able to go up to 11 weeks before your due date which is on the MAT B1, providing you have given your employer 15 weeks notice. I would go ASAP if I was you.

Clarieloo wrote: »

Hi

I am in a similar boat but currently 6 months pregnant. I don't have any other children and my husband works but our mortgage is such that I will need to have a job after mat leave. I have been told by my Union that as I have reached 25 weeks pregnant and told my employer my intended date to start mat leave that I will now still qualify for all my maternity pay even if I am made redundant between now and before mat leave starts. This will also apply if I am made redundant while on mat leave.

My understanding if you are made redundant before 25 weeks pregnant you should still qualify for Maternity Allowance (someone has already mentioned how this works above).

Basically if you can, the best thing would be to get to 25 weeks pregnant and hand in your MatB1 form which should then get the ball rolling for your SMP. You can then start to look for another job while off on Mat Leave (as I am probably going to have to do).


ETA: You are always entitled to a full 52 weeks off but of course some of this will be unpaid.

Good luck
xx

Spendless

I was once in your position pregnant and jobless with a mortgage living alone. Talk to your mortgage company. Mine accepted reduced payments, can't remember if it was for 6 or 12 months, which gave me 'breathing space'.