Applying for jobs whilst on Mat Leave

10 replies

FirstMumToBe · 07/02/2018 15:13

I haven't quite finished for mat leave just yet, I have another 4 weeks to go, but I have seen a job I am desperate to apply for, it's working within the NHS, they will cover university fees and it's a reasonable pay jump which could be anywhere between an extra 5-7 grand a year.

AIBU for even thinking about applying for this even though I am about to go on maternity leave?
I keep thinking the worse they could say is no, but would I just be wasting mine and their times?
I don't have to come back to my current employer after maternity leave as they are only paying me statutory maternity leave.

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grannytomine · 07/02/2018 15:25

How long are you hoping to be off for maternity leave? If you are hoping to take a year it is a big ask.

Els1e · 07/02/2018 15:36

I would definitely recommend you apply for the job. If you get an interview, you know you have competitive skills and qualifications. Once at interview, you can explain the situation. They might be willing to negotiate with you or if not, at least they know you are interested in this type of role and may be willing to let you know if a similar role comes up that suits your timing better. If you don’t get an interview, you can get feedback on what you need to do in order to be a strong candidate in the future.

Allthewaves · 07/02/2018 15:45

Depends how long your looking to take off. If it's a year then tbh I wouldn't apply. Six months then I would.

Original poster

FirstMumToBe · 08/02/2018 08:20

My plan is to take 9 months off hopefully. I think I might apply so then they have me on record so if another post comes up that's similar I can always apply for that and know what to expect!!

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winterwonderly · 08/02/2018 08:35

Go for it! They can't discriminate because of your maternity so if you were the best person for the job then they would have to cover your maternity leave with a temporary person. Although sometimes they can get round that by saying they have a business need to get someone permanent in asap.

Too many women put their careers on hold and don't go for new opportunities because they feel bad about inconveniencing employers. It's not much different than someone taking a new job and then finding out they're pregnant and going on maternity leave a number of months later.

Please don't feel you can't go for new opportunities because of your pregnancy. That's exactly why there are laws in place to protect your employment rights in pregnancy and maternity leave.

winterwonderly · 08/02/2018 08:39

www.equalityhumanrights.com/en/managing-pregnancy-and-maternity-workplace/faqs-employees/during-maternity-leave-applying-jobs

Angrybird345 · 08/02/2018 08:40

So despite the fact that you’re not available for work for another 10 months, you want to apply for job now! What a waste of their time. When people advertise a job, they generally want the person to start fairly promptly, not in 10 months time.

Want2bSupermum · 08/02/2018 08:42

Apply. It might be worth taking the shorter leave for or they could accommodate you in other ways.

fia101 · 08/02/2018 08:45

I applied for a job when had just had a baby. Baby was 10 weeks when started the new job. It was a tough decision but the alternative was no job.

Original poster

FirstMumToBe · 08/02/2018 09:05

@winterwonderly thank you for the link!! just what I needed to read. I am willing to cut my maternity leave shorter if I have to, but that would be a last resort.
I think I'll apply, the worse thing they can do is turn me down, but then I'll know for next time what I need to do different (even if it is not be going off on mat leave when applying!)
Thank you for advice!!!

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