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Original poster

To not ask about maternity pay at interview

58 replies

Browncoo6 · 03/04/2022 19:50

About to have a final interview for a new job. It will be a good salary uplift if I am offered the role (£10k more) but looking at the overall package I’m not sure. In my current role I get 9 months full maternity pay, 3 months half pay. DH and I are looking at starting a family within the next 2 or 3 years and I feel this is a consideration.

I don’t know why maternity package the new company offers and can’t find this info online. DH has suggested I ask at the interview! As unfair as it is, surely there is no way I can do this and stand a chance at the job? Would you or have you ever asked?

OP posts:
DoubleHelix79 · 03/04/2022 19:55

Could you ask to see their employment policies before you make a decision? This way you don't have to ask about maternity leave/pay directly. I wouldn't find it that unusual. Alternatively can you approach someone who works there and ask them? (E.g. friend of a friend, second degree LinkedIn connection).

Hugasauras · 03/04/2022 19:59

I wouldn't ask specifically about maternity at interview. Even though it shouldn't be used to discriminate against you, it would be very hard to prove it had if they decided not to employ you. But agree that asking for a copy of their benefits/policies generally would be fine.

Tonsiltrouble · 03/04/2022 20:00

I’d wait until the offer and would ask about all policies to compare your package overall. It’s unlikely to match what you currently have though.

LucieLemon · 03/04/2022 20:07

Is it a deal breaker? If so, prior to interview you may want to ask for a brief overview of their leave allowances. If it's not, then wait to see if you're successful and access it then. If it's private sector work it more than likely will be less allowance than you currently have.

HollaHolla · 03/04/2022 20:25

I’ve never heard of such a good deal, and I’m in the public/third sector. If it’s a dealbreaker, then you should maybe rethink.

topcat2014 · 03/04/2022 20:26

If it's private sector just assume smp only x

JudgeRindersMinder · 03/04/2022 20:28

Salary is £10k a year more-save!

Tiredtiredtired100 · 03/04/2022 20:28

I would ask after being offered the post only. At this point they can’t rescind the job offer without a clear case of discrimination. You also need to figure out what maternity package you would accept.

FawnFrenchieMum · 03/04/2022 20:28

I wouldn’t ask at the interview no, but it’s normally to ask at the offer stage.

110APiccadilly · 03/04/2022 20:30

I'd ask after getting a job offer. I'd be surprised if it's better that your current deal though - I get six months full pay, then three months statutory maternity pay, and everyone I know thinks that's very good.

kmbegs · 03/04/2022 20:32

I have had this issue and I waited until I was offered the role then asked for their policy on parental leave as well as some other questions. If you expect to have kids soon this would be an important part of the package so I would ask, but not in the actual interview. Wait until you're made an offer.

WalltoWallBtards · 03/04/2022 20:32

Does he not want you to get the job???? You ask that after you have an offer. AFTER. Unless they offer the info at interview which I have had happen but thought was odd…

Randomness12 · 03/04/2022 20:33

Don’t ask at interview, ask for a benefits/package outline after offer but prior to acceptance. Also have a look on glass door, you might find something there. Your current place has very favourable terms so it’s unlikely to be better or even matched so it depends how important this is to you. Could you save more for the 2-3 years to cover the shortfall or take shorter leave.

Whatever you do, do not ask at interview. It would be hard to prove but likely to lead to unfair discrimination sadly.

ItsFineImFine · 03/04/2022 20:33

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

jusdepamplemousse · 03/04/2022 20:34

They’ll probably tell you if they offer. I’ve always had details of benefits packages with offers. So you can decide then. Absolutely do not ask at interview.

Palavah · 03/04/2022 20:36

Where do you work? That's phenomenal!

SickAndTiredAgain · 03/04/2022 20:36

Ask after they offer you the job. I wouldn’t ask in an interview.
I doubt you’ll get as good as what you have now though.

crocus776 · 03/04/2022 20:37

No don't ask at interview, but really...you will never beat the deal you have..it's amazing.

RunnerDuck2020 · 03/04/2022 20:39

Not at the interview, but you could ask if they offer you the job.

RedRobin100 · 03/04/2022 20:40

I wouldn’t ask at interview - ask for policies when you’re offered.

Your current policy is amazing yes. But is it worth taking a longer term view on this new job? Better salary, does it have other benefits like promotion etc?
Why are you considering moving?

ouch321 · 03/04/2022 20:40

How the other half live eh...

Ellie5341 · 03/04/2022 20:41

Don't ask at interview, it shouldn't but it will go against you.

csectionmumma · 03/04/2022 20:43

I wouldn't ask. Are you planning on quitting your job and not working ever again once you're a mum? If not, look at the bigger picture and take the new job. Also don't forget you may not be able to have children or it might take longer than you hope, so not taking a job because of it is a bit hasty

BeingATwatItsABingThing · 03/04/2022 20:46

Your current maternity leave policy sounds amazing! Mine was shocking.

Would you be willing to wait before being entitled to the pay?

linerforlife · 03/04/2022 20:46

I would ask for all of their employment policies before the interview. This as much a chance for you to vet them as the other way around. Also this way, if the mat pay isn't as good and you're offered the job you can negotiate to see if they will honour your current terms and conditions or move closer to them etc. Good luck OP!