Five months gone and starting new job

[Mummyof02]

I've decided to start a job it's only part time and no more then 16 hours a week. The jobs in care as a career. Thing thing is I already have a baby under 1 and another on the way so I know I won't be able to keep up with the job when the second baby is about to be born. I didn't mention that I was expecting during the interview as I thought it stop me from getting the job. Anyway I got offered the position and just need to sort out the dbs which can take another few weeks. How do I tell my manager the situation I'm in? I still want to work as soon as second baby's born and I'm able and how do I sort out maternity leave even if it's just for six weeks once baby's born? I'm desperate to keep this job and being able to earn my own money would mean more to me then anything, please help :(x

[Rpj16]

I don't think you will get maternity leave from the employer, but you just sign up for the government maternity leave (mind is blank-can't remember what it's called) think you need the mat b form from Midwife. I don't think your new employer will mind. Good carers are like gold dust so they will want you back! Congratulations on the job and pregnancy :D

[fairyfeatures]

You will not be entitled to maternity pay from the employer, you will only be entitled to maternity allowance.

On another note you say that you want to work as soon as baby 2 is born, but then you also say that you wont be able to keep up with the job once baby 2 is born?

If I was you, I would have been more up front about my position but at the same time, you legally don't have to tell your employer until you are 25 weeks.

[PotteringAlong]

So you're 5 months pregnant and you've job you won't be able to go back to once the baby is born? So the very very most you plan on doing the job for is 16 weeks? I think I'd have applied for seasonal retail stuff instead. M

[OllyBJolly]

I'm reading it that the OP plans only to take a short time off as mat leave and return to work? Care providers desperately need good carers; particularly over Christmas and New Year when many carers want time off to spend with their families.

Well done on getting the job, OP. You will have to tell your employer so they can do a proper risk assessment - i.e. you might struggle with manual lifting etc if that's required. However, I would say nothing until you have a formal offer and the DBS check and references are accepted. You can't be fired for being pregnant - but a more unscrupulous company might find something they don't like as a reason to withdraw the offer.

Wishing you best of luck in your new job.

[fairyfeatures]

But Ollyjolly doesn't she say that when DC2 is here, she knows she won't be able to keep up with the job?

[OllyBJolly]

What OP says is I won't be able to keep up with the job when the second baby is about to be born which is understandable. She then plans 6 weeks off after the birth.

It's all doable and care is a flexible career. It's not as if she's ditching a project midway through (although I'd argue that a competent person can contribute more in 10 weeks than a bad hire can in 6 months)

[Mummyof02]

Thanks for all your advise people I think I will definitely ask for a mat b 1 form from midwife and try sort out maternity allowance for those weeks that I am off in the mean time in the next few weeks I'll think of how I'm going to say my manager as I know they do have to carry a risk assessment wouldn't want to get the workplace in trouble so will do it soon. And in all fairness after having baby no1 I did have some complications with my monthly cycle so finding out about the 2nd pregnancy and how far along I am was a bit of surprise, anyways thank you everyone, will keep you all posted xxx

[Sunshine511]

We're you working before accepting this job? Im not sure you'll qualify for maternity allowance. I think you have to work a certain number of weeks either during or before pregnancy. I can't remember exactly. With you already being 5 months though, I have a feeling you may not qualify, unless you were working before getting this job? You'll find all the info on //www.gov.uk x

[Rpj16]

OP, I had a similar situation. I became pregnant weeks after starting a new care job! I waited until I had proved myself before I told them (and they were very supportive) after you been there a few weeks and have shown your enthusiasm and commitment, have a private meeting with HR. It will be fine I'm sure :) they might have even noticed by then, so it won't be out of the blue x