To cut my losses?

[Patatina]

Hi all,

I hope I'm using this expression right but anyway I've been offered a job somewhere I really want to work but the problem is I'm 6 months pregnant ( they don't know yet as I don't look pregnant) and would be looking to go on maternity at the beginning of September.

The reason I was looking for a job this late is because I was on a temp contract and it ended and I have two existing children that need paying for but I feel really shit at only being at a job for two and a half months to then go off for nine month, although I would definitely work there after maternity for as long as they'd have me but I'm afraid they won't see it that way.

Shall I just thank them for the opportunity and explain why I can't accept?

Would it be really bad to accept and go on maternity two months later if I know I'm going back? It's a big business so I wouldn't be leaving anyone in the lurch as such but I don't know - it's a hard one.

I’d accept. What harm can it do to you?

You would be insane not to take the job.

If you feel bad then speak to them. Legally they can’t then withdraw the job offer because of your pregnancy and it’s not like you will get enhanced benefits as you probably won’t have been there long enough.

I know people say don’t tell them just accept but I would want to talk to them and explain that you plan on coming back. Saying how long you plan to be off for etc. and see what they say.
the answer they give tells you if you want to work for them or not anyway. If they withdraw the offer then they might not be the sort of company you wnat to work for anyway as suggests that they might not be the best when it comes to things like parental leave or time off with sick children.

it also gives them the opportunity to say do you know what as much as we really want you to work for us we need someone who can start right away and not go on leave as we have xyz that we had hoped you’d be able to do.

The only issue I can see is maternity pay. You would be entitled to maternity leave, but would have to claim maternity allowance. Could you manage on maternity allowance for the duration of your maternity leave?

I agree.
I have a friend who took a job with a big firm a few days after discovering she was pregnant. They were really good about it and she worked there for 13 years.

The issue isn't whether you should or shouldn't accept as you have a legal right to take the job and maternity.

The issue (and I don't know the statutory right or your companies own policies - which can only offer more than statutory) is the situation re maternity pay.

So I'd suggest going for what financially benefits you in the long term.