New job at 5 months conundrum

[Delbelle]

Hi All,

Are there any mums out there who have started a new job quite late in pregnancy? or who have experienced off-ness or hostility at work for being pregnant? I am due to have my first baby in July and am starting a new job in April! I know this is unfortunate timing but a girl has to pay the bills, right? At 26 weeks, I'll have to tell my boss I'm pregnant the week I start, and this is really, really worrying me. I know that by law, they can't sack me or anything, but I'm scared I'll be made to feel bad about it on a day-to-day level. Any tips on how best to handle the situation?

[Noggermum]

Wow, best of luck! guess it is difficult to predict gow it will go - some employers are very sympathetic - enthusiastic even - but clearly you have concerns that your may not be. I changed jobs during my first pregnancy - I was 8/9 weeks pregnant when I went for interview and 13 weeks when I started, but I came clean at interview so they knew from the outset. I decided that honesty was the best policy - despite the fact that i didn't have to tell them - really to gauge the reaction. They were so positive that I knew it was the job for me!

If you have a definite job offer and have signed a contract already, then I would recommend calling your employer beforehand and forewarning them before you start. Not sure on the legals of it all but aren't you supposed to tell them your required maternity leave dates etc 15 weeks before due date - and you starting at 26 weeks may cause a few complications? Not really sure on this, but suspect telling them as early as possible may smooth the way a bit.

the real downside is you will not be entitled to statutory maternity pay, although I assume you have looked into/ applied for maternity allowance?

[Delbelle]

Thanks everyone for the advice. I had been wondering whether to phone and tell them before starting the job in April (have just signed the contract) so I guess I will make the call. You are right Noggermum, it is better to come clean and get it out of the way. Wish me luck!

[YummyNewMummy2B]

Hi everybody I am writing in the same vein as Delbelle! I've just gone for an interview and am 17 weeks pregnant, if I get the job I?ll probably start when I am 20 weeks gone I didn't tell my potential employer in the interview because I was scared I wouldn't even be properly considered! It?s a council job and am not sure when there probationary period is up so i?m very scared they'll just sack me when I tell them. I'm working part time at the moment, this is job is a full time position that i'm desperate!!!! I really don't know what to do when I go for interviews say or not say!!!!!

[eca]

Hi YNM2B

I've been concerned about this too. I'm 19wks and thinking of looking for a job after being a self-financed PhD student for just over a year.

But i wonder in your case if you should ask at the jobcentre exactly what's legally required of you. If you need to declare it at interview because of how far on you are? I really don't know, but I expect they will be able to advise you impartially.

Good luck
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