Pregnant just before starting new job

ExtraOnions · 19/06/2023 19:38

It will probably affect the amount of money you can claim during your Mat Leave. As long as you are ok with the financial aspects, it shouldn’t affect things too much.

Whattodo112222 · 19/06/2023 19:40

You won't be entitled to maternity pay as you wouldn't have been there long enough.

You also risk pissing off your new colleagues who may have to pick up your work as there may not be a budget for a maternity cover.

Can you afford not to earn for 9 months?

I would do the sums first if I were you

BernadetteRostankowskiWolowitz · 19/06/2023 19:42

You won't get any enhanced mat pay etc, not sure how mat allowance works. Are you currently in a job?

Don't worry about the needing to be off part, that's just life. You don't need to inform employers til 25 weeks.

BernadetteRostankowskiWolowitz · 19/06/2023 19:42

Whattodo112222 · 19/06/2023 19:40

You won't be entitled to maternity pay as you wouldn't have been there long enough.

You also risk pissing off your new colleagues who may have to pick up your work as there may not be a budget for a maternity cover.

Can you afford not to earn for 9 months?

I would do the sums first if I were you

"First" over what?

TwilightSkies · 19/06/2023 19:42

What’s your financial situation?

Original poster

Housen · 19/06/2023 19:44

Thanks all. I’m aware I won’t qualify for enhanced maternity pay 🤦🏼‍♀️. I’m pretty sure I still qualify for maternity allowance though? I’m currently working, just moving jobs..

OP posts:

PoachedEd · 19/06/2023 19:46

They can’t fire you but you won’t be entitled to anything other that maternity allowance.

If this is a problem and you’re on good terms with your current employer, they may let you withdraw your notice.

buckingmad · 19/06/2023 19:47

@Housen yes you’ll likely qualify for mat allowance. I’m same as you, going from one job to another and will get mat allowance.

Original poster

Housen · 19/06/2023 19:49

buckingmad · 19/06/2023 19:47

@Housen yes you’ll likely qualify for mat allowance. I’m same as you, going from one job to another and will get mat allowance.

❤️ thank you

OP posts:

libertyfabric · 19/06/2023 19:50

Housen · 19/06/2023 19:44

Thanks all. I’m aware I won’t qualify for enhanced maternity pay 🤦🏼‍♀️. I’m pretty sure I still qualify for maternity allowance though? I’m currently working, just moving jobs..

Yes this is right. This happened to me in 2008/9 (son is now 14!) - I was about 2 months pregnant when I started, told them by 5 months I think.

Good luck!

Original poster

Housen · 19/06/2023 19:53

libertyfabric · 19/06/2023 19:50

Yes this is right. This happened to me in 2008/9 (son is now 14!) - I was about 2 months pregnant when I started, told them by 5 months I think.

Good luck!

Show quote history

I’m glad I’m not the only ones he 😆. Did it go ok or were your new work furious about it?

OP posts:

continentallentil · 19/06/2023 19:54

These things happen, you might get the odd bit of low level snark, but who cares really, they have presumably hired you as a long term investment.

Make sure you know what’s happening financially and what your rights are. Although it’s highly unlikely they will try and fire you - such dodgy ground - I would join the union etc.

And very visibly work hard till Mat leave

AhNowTed · 19/06/2023 19:54

Whattodo112222 · 19/06/2023 19:40

You won't be entitled to maternity pay as you wouldn't have been there long enough.

You also risk pissing off your new colleagues who may have to pick up your work as there may not be a budget for a maternity cover.

Can you afford not to earn for 9 months?

I would do the sums first if I were you

This is ridiculous "advice".

OP this exact thing happened in my company.

There were a couple of comments from men (!) who were firmly put in their place.

Women get pregnant and amazingly still have bills and need to eat.

It's unfortunate timing but that is all.

My pregnant colleague was advised to say nothing until she officially joined.

loopyloutoo · 19/06/2023 19:57

Mat allowance is almost the same as SMP minus the initial 6 weeks at 90% so it's annoying but not a huge difference.

What does your new company offer in terms of maternity - have you seen the policy? Some actually offer from day 1 so it could be that you could get enhanced but more often than not, you may need to have been there for a specific period of time first.

loopyloutoo · 19/06/2023 20:00

continentallentil · 19/06/2023 19:54

These things happen, you might get the odd bit of low level snark, but who cares really, they have presumably hired you as a long term investment.

Make sure you know what’s happening financially and what your rights are. Although it’s highly unlikely they will try and fire you - such dodgy ground - I would join the union etc.

And very visibly work hard till Mat leave

You work as if you would have if you were not pregnant. You do not have to work harder because you're pregnant to prove any point?!
If you felt you were being discriminated against or treated differently as a result of your pregnancy then you would raise the issue. Pregnant Then Screwed is a good charity and source of information if you needed it. But you won't hopefully.

MariaVT65 · 19/06/2023 20:01

Not exactly the same but I applied for a new role internally while pregnant. I initially was hesitant but then my colleague said ‘everyone in this office, at some point, WAS BORN’ and encouraged me to apply. My new boss was very supportive. So yes, hopefully the only disadvantage will be the maternity pay issue.

However, this may also work to your advantage in the event you don’t like your new job and you want to leave. Employers tend to have a condition where you need to stay in company for a certain period after returning from mat leave. If they don’t pay you any/much mat pay, this may not affect you.

ell32 · 19/06/2023 20:01

This happened to me 😅

Didn't think Baby no.2 was going to be conceived as quickly as he was 😂

I only got maternity allowance but as I was only part time it didn't work out massively less!

HelterSkelter224 · 19/06/2023 20:08

Housen · 19/06/2023 19:33

I just found out I’m pregnant (4.5 weeks). I start a new job in 2 weeks!! What are the implications of this? Is it a complete disaster.

YABU- this is not going to go well.

YANBU- it’s fine, these things happen and you have a right to get pregnant.

YANBU these things happen, you have a right to be pregnant and you're protected by law against discrimination. It's hard to plan life around new jobs etc. and while it's not ideal timing they'll manage. This happens more often than you'd think so I really wouldn't worry.

Also disregard the horrendous advice from a previous PP about "pissing off colleagues". It's just a job, this is your life. They won't care and if they do it's not your problem. Good luck with new job and congrats on your pregnancy! 🙂

libertyfabric · 19/06/2023 20:08

Housen · 19/06/2023 19:53

I’m glad I’m not the only ones he 😆. Did it go ok or were your new work furious about it?

Show quote history

It was OK actually, I was working for a Citizens Advice Bureau at the time, so they couldn't really do much but be supportive!

Original poster

Housen · 19/06/2023 20:58

continentallentil · 19/06/2023 19:54

These things happen, you might get the odd bit of low level snark, but who cares really, they have presumably hired you as a long term investment.

Make sure you know what’s happening financially and what your rights are. Although it’s highly unlikely they will try and fire you - such dodgy ground - I would join the union etc.

And very visibly work hard till Mat leave

it does concern me a bit if I have to tell them I’m pregnant before I’ve passed probation.. but hopefully I’m just paranoid. But yes I think I’m going to have to just really try to prove myself.

OP posts:

Original poster

Housen · 19/06/2023 20:59

loopyloutoo · 19/06/2023 19:57

Mat allowance is almost the same as SMP minus the initial 6 weeks at 90% so it's annoying but not a huge difference.

What does your new company offer in terms of maternity - have you seen the policy? Some actually offer from day 1 so it could be that you could get enhanced but more often than not, you may need to have been there for a specific period of time first.

Unfortunately it looks like I have to have been working there for a full year to qualify for the enhance maternity pay 🙁

OP posts:

Original poster

Housen · 19/06/2023 21:00

AhNowTed · 19/06/2023 19:54

This is ridiculous "advice".

OP this exact thing happened in my company.

There were a couple of comments from men (!) who were firmly put in their place.

Women get pregnant and amazingly still have bills and need to eat.

It's unfortunate timing but that is all.

My pregnant colleague was advised to say nothing until she officially joined.

Show quote history

There were a couple of comments from men (!) who were firmly put in their place

ahh I love this! I really hope my new work place is like yours 🤞🏻🤞🏻🤞🏻

OP posts:

Original poster

Housen · 19/06/2023 21:01

MariaVT65 · 19/06/2023 20:01

Not exactly the same but I applied for a new role internally while pregnant. I initially was hesitant but then my colleague said ‘everyone in this office, at some point, WAS BORN’ and encouraged me to apply. My new boss was very supportive. So yes, hopefully the only disadvantage will be the maternity pay issue.

However, this may also work to your advantage in the event you don’t like your new job and you want to leave. Employers tend to have a condition where you need to stay in company for a certain period after returning from mat leave. If they don’t pay you any/much mat pay, this may not affect you.

then my colleague said ‘everyone in this office, at some point, WAS BORN’

hahahaha this is brilliant!! I’m going to use this line from now on.

OP posts:

Crazycrazylady · 19/06/2023 21:02

Of course they'll be a bit allergic but they have to hide it!!

PinkFrogss · 19/06/2023 21:02

Housen · 19/06/2023 20:58

it does concern me a bit if I have to tell them I’m pregnant before I’ve passed probation.. but hopefully I’m just paranoid. But yes I think I’m going to have to just really try to prove myself.

Show quote history

Probation doesn’t really much much of a legal meaning, it’s 2 years before you get full employment rights, regardless of a probationary period.

However, protection from discrimination is a day one right, and if you are let go while pregnant your employer should give you a written explanation as to why.