When to tell an employer you're pregnant??

[silverandgold]

Hi there
My bloke and I are trying for another baby and at the same time I am looking for a new job.

This all makes me slightly anxious as, what if I get a job and get pregnant simultaneously? (I should count my blessings if these happen I know!!!)

But, when it is best advised to tell the employer you are pregnant? After three months? Or, if you know you are pregnant when offered a job (even if just a few weeks) is it better to let prospective employers know?

Does anyone have experience of beginning employment when they were newly pregnant without their employers knowing? And how was this received etc etc??

I suppose I am uncomfortable of potentially having to work through a pregnancy at a place where there was bad feeling because I may have "lied" or covered something important up at interview.

Any advice or stories gladly welcomed!

[RibenaBerry]

It isn't ideal timing for the employer, I'll be the first to admit that, but they should be used to it (particularly at larger employers).

Unless your work is such that you need a safety check immediately - chemicals, frontline policing, etc - I would suggest waiting until 3 months. Sadly, as you know, lots can go wrong until that point. Whilst you might tell a long established boss you can see as a sort of friend before that (or because you have a good relationship and want to help them plan), there's really no need to tell a new boss.

Also bear in mind that you'll get maternity leave whatever, but to qualify for statutory maternity pay, you basically need to get pregnant after you start the job. Company pay requirements will vary. Bear that in mind if the money is important (you may still get maternity allowance regardless)

[silverandgold]

Thanks RibenaBerry.

[DeirdreB]

I had an interview the day I found out I was pregnant. When I was offered the job, I told them. The were fine about it, saw my appointment as a long term appointment rather than simply filling a position. Pregnancy is a part of life and lots of people have children at sometime or other.

If you do get pregnant before you start work you will not be entitled to any enhanced maternity pay but you will be entitled to maternity leave. Whether you qualify for statutory maternity pay (based on 90% of pay) or maternity allowance (£100ish per week only) depends on your employment in the two years prior to pregnancy).

Good luck with job hunting and TTC. Who knows, it could all work out perfectly!

[Missus84]

I interviewed for my current job while 3 months pregnant and didn't mention it - I did tell them when I got the job offer though and they were fine about it. All it has really meant for me is I didn't qualify for SMP (you have to be employed by the same employer before you become pregnant and all through your pregnancy) so don't get the 6 weeks at 90%. However I will get Maternity Allowance which is £125 a week - the same as SMP except for those first 6 weeks.