Unhappy at work - but can I look for a new job when I'm 8 weeks pregnant?

[bakingdemon]

I work in a small organisation where the tyrannical personality of our boss makes life very difficult. I like lots of my colleagues very much but increasingly dread going into work because of the boss.

I am eyeing up new jobs and have had some headhunters approach me - but I'm 8 weeks pregnant. I don't know what to do. Do I stick it out where I'm unhappy until I can go on maternity leave? Would any recruiter even look at me if they knew I was pregnant? Is it bad form to start a new job and then head off on mat leave six months later? Would I even be entitled to full mat leave benefits if I'd only been with an organisation that long? I would really welcome some advice.

[flashnazia]

What maternity benefits do you company offer? Is it Statutory pay only?

[bakingdemon]

@flashnazia I don't actually know. It's a slightly chaotic place and I haven't been able to find any employment policies saved on the computer system. I had been waiting until I tell them to ask what the policy is.

[DianaT1969]

How long have you been at your current job?

[bakingdemon]

@DianaT1969 nearly a year and a half

[leghairdontcare]

I started a job when I was 20 weeks pregnant. The recruitment process took ages and if been made redundant from my previous role so had to take it. Usually, if you're already pregnant you won't get enhanced pay or even SMP. You'd qualify for Maternity Allowance. I would stay where you are and maybe plan on starting mat leave as early as possible if things are really crap.

[bakingdemon]

@leghairdontcare I think that's what I will probably end up doing. Seems like a long stretch til December to stick at it. I can cross the bridge of dreading coming back from mat leave once I get to it