How to tell new employer I am pregnant?

[ammature]

Hi guys, perhaps some one can advise. I interviewed for a job and accepted a few weeks back during the early stages of my pregnancy. I got some slack on the employment board for this but I decided as someone said on here my employer can't discriminate against me so I shouldn't discriminate against myself. That said I do feel very nervous. The role is an academic one, I've signed the offer letter and it's all been processed by HR. I decided to wait until my scan which is tomorrow - 11 weeks- but I want to tell the new employer right after out of professional courtesy. For clarity the job is 2 dad per week ( I have another job the other 3 days) and its part of a longer term plan to leave one institution and move to the new one on a full time contract after I have the baby. Can anyone help me with wording the email? I don't know where to start without grovelling or implying I've done something bad. I officially start 1 sept and I'll be 17 weeks so they will
Properly get one semester out of me before I leave. Any advice would be amazing ! Thanks

[EdgarAllenPoe]

I'd just be factual without sounding entitled. Highlight what you will be doing for them, not what they'll be doing for you. For example: I look forward to working with your for the next xxx months. Instead of I'll be working until xxx date when I'll be taking maternity leave.

I'm telling my boss today (I'm 15+5) and that's how I'll be doing it. I've been here nearly 11 months, so it's not quite so awkward, but I do get where you're coming from. I'd quite like to get a full year under my belt before I break the news, but firstly it wouldn't actually do my work any favours since I'd still be disappearing at the same time anyway, secondly I don't think I'll be able to hide my mini-bump for much longer. Better to tell them now.

[ammature]

Thanks this is helpful. Anyone else??

[Junosmum]

Again, I'd just be factual. I'd keep it short and to the point. I'd put 'I have recently found that I am pregnant', not, 'I knew when I took the job'. IYSWIM.

[jmac88]

You shouldn't feel bad! What else are yiu supposed to do? Just not apply for any jobs or accept offers because you're pregnant?

Be upfront you have nothing to be ashamed of. Just remember they could turn round and get rid of you at any point and I doubt they would feel bad about it!

[AbbeyRoadCrossing]

Don't feel bad about it. As others have said just word the letter / email factually and definitely don't do any apologising!

I've been at my work many years but am going into my second maternity leave and got a rubbish reaction but I've just told them the date I'm going, handed the mat B1 form in etc. I did feel guilty for a while though but not now.

Hope it goes well

[RooibosTeaAgain]

Agree to be factual.
Unfortunately some people discover bad news at scans so would be unusual to inform an employer until had basic NHS checks.

[MummyBex1985]

Just checking in to say hi.

I'm an employment lawyer. They can't discriminate against you or require you not to be pregnant to do the job. I just got offered a new job which I would have taken if my current emoter hadn't offered me better terms, but I also switched jobs during my first pregnancy and didn't feel any guilt about it. Maybe I'm just heartless! Haha

Any problems, feel free to get in touch for some free mumsnet legal advice! Lol

[MummyBex1985]

Employer, not emoter! Damn auto correct!

[ammature]

Thanks all I appreciate the advice and support. Even the suggestion of wording "I recently discovered I was pregnant" is really helpful. I've been mulling over making excuses etc and you guys are right just state the facts!

[AbbeyRoadCrossing]

I didn't tell my work until about 23/24 weeks and you do legally have until 25 weeks to tell them. My work did say I should've told them earlier (which isn't true) and I said I wanted to wait until the 20 week anomaly scan.
Obviously you haven't got to give any reason for the timing of when you tell them but many women wait until scans and test results are in first, so it's in no way unusual to tell them after your scan