Temp contract and pregnancy

stephanieh888

Hi,

I have worked for my employer since 2016 and love my job, however when i had my son in 2020 I was refused the request to return back to my role part time for workload reasons. I do not need or want to work full time, so decided to find part-time work elsewhere to avoid missing the time with him.

Shortly after I left, my colleague announced she was now pregnant. She has also worked on our team of 3 since 2016, when I started.

My employer contacted me and asked if I would cover her maternity leave part time, 2.5 days a week, for a year. I agreed, as I missed the work, and I've really enjoyed it so far. My contract runs out in February, when my colleague is due to return. 

My colleague would now like to return part time. There is now the possibility of me and my colleague working on a permanent job share, half a week each, from her return in February. This is something I'd love to do for the long term.

Now, the issue: After several miscarriages, we are finally pregnant again with our second, and final, child. It is too early to tell anyone, only 7 weeks, but if all goes well the baby would be due in June. I expect them to offer the job share at the start of January (if they do). Should I tell them that I'm pregnant before accepting the permanent contract or wait until March, when I legally have to tell them?

I suspect that if I tell them it could affect my chance of getting a permanent contract, and the same for my colleague, but if I don't it feels very dishonest and I'm not 100% comfortable with it.

What is the right thing to do here?

HampshireH

Personally I would only tell them once you are comfortable in the pregnancy. Chances are by Jan it will be obvious.

Without knowing what role you do they should also do a risk assessment 

Sncjw

Tell them when your ready. They can't sack you for being pregnant. 

Also think about your job role is it a health and safety risk to the baby and they will need to do an assessment. Also with miscarriages in the past you will want to make sure your job doesn't impact.your baby..