New job and 14 weeks pregnant

[ForTheLoveOfDoughnuts]

I've started a new job this year and I'm 14 weeks pregnant.

I'm terrified. I don't know how or when to tell them?

Part of me thinks IABU to not tell them ASAP. But part of me wants time to prove I'm good at my job (pass training etc) then tell them?

Any advice welcome

Not sure of your legal obligations (if any) but I'd smash the training first and leave it as long as possible!

What kind of job is it? Retail? Don’t worry, they’ll be able to find your cover easily.
A professional role? Different kettle of fish

Professional sales.

You don't legally have to tell them until 25 weeks. But when they find out you will have a few health and safety assessments to ensure that you can do your job safely and that any adjustments that need to be made can be made. Also, you are entitled to paid time off for antenatal appointments but you obviously won't get this if they don't know (not sure if this would be important to you, just worth mentioning).

They can't take any action against you due to the fact that you're pregnant though.

Theres no legal obligation for you to tell them yet. However, you know you won't be entitled to the company's maternity pay, just statutory. You have to be working at a company for 15 weeks before even getting pregnant to be entitled.

However, theres no rush I'd personally wait a month or two until it becomes obvious

I do agree, delay telling them as long as possible to keep them looking at you in a positive light, however even after passing probation a company can get rid of you with little-no reason within the first 2 years.

I know they shouldn't treat me differently. But I know they could come up with a different reason and get rid of me

I don't qualify for statutory mat pay. It's just inconvenience to them I guess

did you start the job already pregnant or not earn enough for SMP?

You'll be entitled to Maternity Allowance though so you will get 39 weeks of pay. If you feel that it would be better to leave it then do what you think is right.

I'd tell them now so that they have longer to get recruitment procedures in place.

They are likely to be unhappy as they thought they had sorted their recruitment issue but the longer you leave it the worse the situation will become.

No disrespect but why would you try for a baby when just starting a new job?? How long have you been in the job, did you know in the interview and not tell them??

How long have you been in the job, did you know in the interview and not tell them??

Why would she? She’s under no obligation to do so and from your reaction it would seem she’s right.

People don’t always mean to get pregnant, equally if you’re in a job you don’t like or don’t have a job what have you got to lose?

Flamingchips

That is a truly horrendous attitude you have there.. someone has gone through the trouble of recruiting you and you don't owe them the respect of the truth?? Disgusting. It's gives all women a bad name. Just get a job, fuck everyone over and accept as many benefits the company offers as poss. Take some responsibility for your life, career and getting pregnant. Smdh.

tigerlily yours is the horrendous attitude and exactly why people wouldn't disclose it in interview. It is also precisely why the law stipulates you don't have to declare until past 20 weeks

QforCucumber

It's really not though is it. It's fair and just. Just because the law says you don't have to do this or that doesn't mean you don't have a moral imperative. It really winds me up that the OP's poor new coworkers and employers will be scuppered now for the next 18 months.

Tell your employers and if you're good enough for the job then they'll keep you on. Don't start trying to 'get one over' on people when you've barely started working with them. And getting the training for free in the meantime is just shocking to me...

@TigerlilyMoon sometimes you have to do what you have to do.

My birth control failed when I was unemployed. I had a job interview (not knowing I was pregnant) and when they offered me the job 3 days later, I'd had a positive test but didn't tell them. I needed the job and the money. Also, a high percentage of pregnancies fail within the first trimester so plenty of people don't disclose until then.

Maybe if employers didn't discriminate against pregnant women, then pregnant women wouldn't feel the need to hide their pregnancies until they felt more secure in their jobs!

They've already given you the job so I wouldn't stress about it too much. Once you start showing, ask to speak to the manager and be honest. Legally they can't fire you over it! They should make health and safety assessments and you'll be able to carry on working. I don't think you'll be entitled to maternity pay though? You may have to ask them. I know it's stressful as I was looking for work when I was pregnant, went to two interviews and told one of them I was pregnant as I was kind of showing at that point...it really depends what the job is and how physical it is, gotta think about your health and if you'll be physically fit enough to do it while heavily pregnant...realistically I was applying for jobs I wouldn't have been able to have done as it was warehouse/retail security work, luckily you've found something more convenient. Good luck!

Needanappp

Yeah I see where you're coming from to be fair. I think it depends whether it's an unplanned situation or if you know damn well what you're doing.

TigerlilyMoon

You're moaning at the OP for getting a job but if she decided to just sign on UC and claim benefits, you would probably just complain about that as well, can't win with judgemental people like you around. I say fair play to her for at least going for a job when pregnant, she'll have to prove herself at the job while dealing with pregnancy...she could choose to stay at home as on UC once you reach 25 weeks pregnant, you don't have to look for work at all.

@TigerlilyMoon - that attitude is horrible and you have no idea about the OP's circumstances. I fell pregnant a week into a new job after 3 years of infertility. I didn't see the point in stopping trying. Luckily for my employer though I had a miscarriage so at least it didn't inconvenience them.

I like that you think I’m the one with the bad attitude

I don’t have children, I will never be in this situation. But no woman should have to declare a pregnancy at interview and therefore risk discrimination.

I'd tell them ASAP. My reasoning is that with under 2 years service they can let you go without reason perfectly legally and you have little comeback. If they are less than scrupulous and they suspect you're pregnant they can easily let you go claiming you failed probation or similar.

Once you tell them you are pregnant you become a protected worker and although they could still find a reason to let you go most companies err on the side of caution and won't risk it. Don't expect them to be particularly pleased about it though - companies rarely are even if you've been there years!