TTC2 and Employer

[Shearsmith]

I have one DC who is almost 20 months old.

Always wanted to have two DC. Took over a year trying to conceive DC1. Have been thinking recently about the right time, if ever, to start trying for a second. I don't want their to be a large age gap.

I still need to sit down and work out finances, etc. to see if it's even doable. I'm not convinced.

However, I started my job at the beginning of January and I'm wondering about what'll happen if I get pregnant within the first year.

I can't imagine they'll be too happy about it tbh. How secure will my job be? My probation ends March. However, I've read on here before that if you've worked for a company less than two years you have essentially no rights.

For added info, I began my employment with them almost three years ago but left for a brief time. So, officially, I'm a new employee now. Management has also changed.

Would TTC any time soon be a mistake, employment wise?

Anyone?

Pregnancy offers more protection - sacking you for that reason would be illegal.

But, only you would know how they will react and if they will make life difficult for you when you want to go back.

I’d do what you want and ignore your employer.

You’re entitled to maternity leave regardless of how long you’ve been with an employer. To get SMP you need to have been working for them for at least 26 weeks by the 15th week before your due date (weirdly complicated!) your rights are reduced if you’ve worked somewhere less than two years, but it’s rare (and a legal minefield) for them to fine someone for being pregnant. If you want another baby then do it, you could get pregnant straight away or it could take ages, you never know

Fire* not fine

Thank you for replying. Yes, I'm aware of entitlement for SMP and I know they can't fire me for being pregnant regardless of the time I've been there. I suppose, I'm just concerned that they could dismiss me because they don't want the hassle of dealing with pregnancy, another Mat leave, etc. But I worry they'll say it's nothing to do with the pregnancy, find some other reason for dismissal, and I'll have no rights as I haven't been there for more than two years officially. I suppose it's all well and good me working out financially whether we could afford a second child but that'll be based on me staying with my current job. Which won't work if they dismiss or me make me redundant.

Anyone else there have children? That should give you an idea of how they feel about maternity etc.

I'm a teacher and was one of the first in my school to go part time...now we have lots of part time staff m!

It's a Male dominated workplace. I'm 1 of only 3 women. The other two ladies have grown up adult children though. They weren't great to me during my pregnancy the first time. One of the managers gave me quite a bit of grief regarding time off for pregnancy related appointments. He was also quit shitty when I had a a few days off for morning sickness, etc. Really questioning me about it. Funny thing is his wife is now pregnant and he disappears for several hours nearly every week to attend appointments and what not with her. I can only hope this means he'd be more understanding this time round. The other manager who was there was much nicer about it but he's gone now which is why I feel quite concerned. I have been told since I returned that they can't be flexible. They need 100% from me on a full time basis. They are making lots of changes to the department, waning to improve, etc. I guess part of that is not allowing flexible working. I was questioned at interview about what I would do with DD when she is sick because they need someone fully dedicated to the job. Although, I did have to have some time off with DD recently and they were okay about it which surprised me given their previous comments.