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Original poster

How can I get a job if I’m not eligible for free childcare because I don’t have a job?

33 replies

Feliciacat · 09/04/2025 13:06

Posting here for traffic.

Hi! I’m three months pregnant and my fixed term contract ended a week ago. I’ve been looking for a job for four months to no avail and sadly, most jobs aren’t permanent due to the economy. So I’m looking at temporary jobs but I can’t really commit to 12 month contracts as I need to leave in October 2025. Even six month contracts are hard because by the time I’ve been onboarded, I’ll only have five months of the six in which I can work. I have a couple of interviews for summer temp work as I think that’s my only option now.

So I won’t get OMP as I won’t have had stable employment for long enough. I also likely won’t have a job to go back to after maternity. But I need to be working to qualify for free childcare but I can’t afford to start work if I don’t have free childcare.

Oh and so as not to drip feed, I have a DH but he’s at risk of redundancy and he’s really stressed being the sole earner. Also, it may seem stupid to have got pregnant when my job was due to end but my infertility consultant said I had barely any time left to conceive so it was now or never really. We have zero family support to help with childcare as I’m estranged from mine and DH’s parents are dead.

Wibu to look for night shift work so that we wouldn’t need to pay for childcare? This is the only way I can think of that I can work in my circumstances. This is a miracle pregnancy but I can’t enjoy it as I’m so stressed thinking that we may end up destitute at this rate.

OP posts:
Discombobble · 09/04/2025 14:13

HoskinsChoice · 09/04/2025 14:06

I was talking to someone today who is doing exactly as you suggest - one parent is working days and the other working nights so they don't need childcare. It's not easy for them but admirable that they're doing everything they can for their child without expecting tax payers to fund them. Huge respect for this kind of work ethic.

So when does the night worker sleep?

x2boys · 09/04/2025 14:13

Feliciacat · 09/04/2025 13:06

Posting here for traffic.

Hi! I’m three months pregnant and my fixed term contract ended a week ago. I’ve been looking for a job for four months to no avail and sadly, most jobs aren’t permanent due to the economy. So I’m looking at temporary jobs but I can’t really commit to 12 month contracts as I need to leave in October 2025. Even six month contracts are hard because by the time I’ve been onboarded, I’ll only have five months of the six in which I can work. I have a couple of interviews for summer temp work as I think that’s my only option now.

So I won’t get OMP as I won’t have had stable employment for long enough. I also likely won’t have a job to go back to after maternity. But I need to be working to qualify for free childcare but I can’t afford to start work if I don’t have free childcare.

Oh and so as not to drip feed, I have a DH but he’s at risk of redundancy and he’s really stressed being the sole earner. Also, it may seem stupid to have got pregnant when my job was due to end but my infertility consultant said I had barely any time left to conceive so it was now or never really. We have zero family support to help with childcare as I’m estranged from mine and DH’s parents are dead.

Wibu to look for night shift work so that we wouldn’t need to pay for childcare? This is the only way I can think of that I can work in my circumstances. This is a miracle pregnancy but I can’t enjoy it as I’m so stressed thinking that we may end up destitute at this rate.

That ,s what i dud when ,my now 18 year old was a baby/toddler
I was a nurse and went on permanent nights for three years it was exhusting though.

AirFryerCrumpet · 09/04/2025 14:13

You will get Maternity allowance which is more or less the same as SMP.

You will still need childcare if you work nights. Once you have found a job you can apply for free childcare once you expect to start working within 30 days.

Original poster
Feliciacat · 09/04/2025 14:12

EmmaOvary · 09/04/2025 14:09

OP, look into maternity allowance. If you don’t qualify for SMP you may qualify for that.

I do qualify for this so at least I’ll have £184 a week from Oct 2025 to July 2026. You only need to work 26 out of 66 weeks before your child is born to qualify. Phew! Thank you for your reply.

OP posts:
Original poster
Feliciacat · 09/04/2025 14:10

@HoskinsChoicethank you for your reply. If I can hack nights then it could work well.

@peepsypopsyes, I’m trying to do this but HR is pretty dire for jobs atm and permanent jobs are like hen’s teeth. I’ll keep looking though. Thank you for your reply.

OP posts:
EmmaOvary · 09/04/2025 14:09

OP, look into maternity allowance. If you don’t qualify for SMP you may qualify for that.

peepsypops · 09/04/2025 14:08

apply for any and all jobs. You are not obliged to inform at interview or offer stage that you are pregnant. Yes, you won’t qualify for SMP but that doesn’t mean you cannot apply.

HoskinsChoice · 09/04/2025 14:06

I was talking to someone today who is doing exactly as you suggest - one parent is working days and the other working nights so they don't need childcare. It's not easy for them but admirable that they're doing everything they can for their child without expecting tax payers to fund them. Huge respect for this kind of work ethic.