Would you hire someone at 30 weeks pregnant?

RedwoodBrook

The post is not within a large company. It would involve working directly with the disabled community, essentially providing assistance and support to individuals.

I'm just after general opinions

robpw2

it could be discriminatory not to but on the other hand she is only going to be there for a couple of weeks before heading off meaing youll need to employ someone else

scheming_gypsy

not a chance.

Hammyman

No. As robpw2 said, you'd basically have them long enough to train in the basics before they were off on maternity with a "will she or won't she" return in 6 months time.

VfM4meplse

In truth, I would find a reason to broaden the field of candidates. (I'm a feminist but not a mug).

relic

Nope, and even at that, at 30 weeks onwards would you be able to provide that much support to others?

RedwoodBrook

Glad I made the right decision then!

Just out of interest, what would you consider the "cut off" point for starting someones employment? 15? 20? 25 weeks?

soccermom

Yes if they were the best person for the job.

If someone is taking the chance of going for an interview while 30 weeks pregnant and risking rejection, it can to me only mean she is wanting to work before and after her child is born and not face the possibility of being on benefits.

I have had 3 babies and worked upto the birth and after and never had any complaints from employees.

Having a baby does not render us useless

VfM4meplse

soccermom wrote: »

Having a baby does not render us useless

But a lot less useful to the workforce! I have never managed a female member of staff that hasn't taken extra leave after maternity leave / wanted to cut down hours / asked for unreasonable flexibility etc - even when the kids are teenagers!

It's just a HR headache and detracts from productivity. Not pc but the unfortunate truth of the matter.

Pete111

I'm going to say something frightfully un-PC (especially as I work in HR) but I would support any manager who expressed concerns about hiring an obviously pregnant candidate. I would go so far as to say I would discreetly recommend against.

Unless the role in question was very short term in nature (ie 3 month contract) then they would be creating a bit of a training/recruitment/admin nightmare for themselves...

(flame proof overalls on standby!)

scheming_gypsy

soccermom wrote: »

Having a baby does not render us useless

no it's just an excuse :rotfl:

although if an employer is looking for staff then it's because they need somebody.. it doesn't make much sense to take somebody on who's then going on maternity leave and you'll have to get somebody to cover her... you might as well just get somebody who isn't going to be off for months in the first place.