Can I ask about maternity policy before accepting a new job?

[Tommo26]

So, at the current company I work for pay full salary while on maternity which is a massive benefit.

However, I have been head hunted and have a second interview with a different company. I am in two minds about getting a new job, as I am still on maternity for a couple more weeks and I do love my current job. this potential new job is 16hr less per week (meaning I can spend 2 extra days a week with my baby!) and potentially on the same pay I am currently on which would be amazing.

If I was offered the new job, is it fair I ask about there maternity policy? As I would like 1/2more children over the next 8yrs. Me and my husband would not be able to live without my full salary when on maternity leave.

thanks

Just ask what the policy was for all benefits such as sick pay, health insurance etc

Just ask them what their policies are before accepting

Full pay while on maternity leave is very rare

Agree. You won't scare them off (which we know is wrong, but does happen!!)

Maybe ask for their employee handbook or benefits policies if you get offered rather going straight to the maternity policy? (If not clear in contract)

I’d want to see the policies for sick pay, compassionate and others types of leave before signing on dotted line for a new role. Unless it was so good pay I could assume zero sick pay!

There’s also a maternity start up called Nugget who were gathering different company policies to make them accessible to avoid this awkward position you’re in - you could see if they have yours.

Surely the massive pay increase would make up for any reduced maternity benefits? Two days a week you are not having to pay for nursery. Save that money.
I would take it however rubbish their policy is!

If you have been headhunted OP you can ask the recruiter to find out for you (they may already know etc if they work with the company a lot) this would be softer than asking the company directly etc and the headhunter won't care, their fee will be long paid before any potential future babies!

Also how annoying is it that we have to work out how to find out these things as women, it should be clearly advertised seeing as we are the ones that have to grow children inside of our actual bodies - and still work!

Ask for all policies / employee handbook.

I wish I had. Started a new job 1.5yo, now pregnant and turns out the company has no policy, no mat pay, and on having to ask and having mt request for a meeting "to go through everything" I was given a 10 year old handbook with no info and an old companies name.

Now having to negotiate while pregnant

Thanks for all your comments. That’s a good idea asking for there policy hand book!

You’re right, companies should advertise it like other benefits eg life insurance etc. Guess they don’t as most company dont have good maternity pay!

I don’t want to move jobs, as a new job is different, and I don’t want to stress trying to prove myself with a new young family. If is 3 days a week, good salary and good maternity policy would be a deal breaker.

Not what you asked, but you mentioned you're on maternity leave right now... Check the terms of your current company very carefully before switching jobs - many have a clause that you need to pay back any non-statutory maternity pay if you don't return to the job for some minimum period of time afterwards.

Your correct. Think it’s about 6k, which isn’t massive but not ideal! I have saved that amount but annoying as I have payed tax on it, so would cost me more to repay.

Can you look the company up on Glassdoor or Fishbowl and see if there are any comments from current or past employees on the policy?

I would imagine you would be able to claim the tax back if you have to repay though? (not 100% sure)

In my experience if they aren’t advertising things like maternity pay, it’s probably rubbish 😔

Agree with asking for the employee handbook, through your headhunter.

I think employers with generous leave policies are often deliberately a little vague about this in public. If you get a reputation for generous maternity policies, you will disproportionately attract candidates who plan on having lots of children. This is a problem because if you pay above the statutory minimum, government obviously won’t reimburse you for maternity pay and you’ll end up paying phos of salaries to non-working employees (quite a few of whom will never return full time). Same with carer’s allowance etc, and to an extent sick leave. Generous leave policies generally rely on not too many people taking them up, and this is undermined if people join the company specifically for those policies.

That doesn’t mean OP shouldn’t ask. But it does explain why companies are sometimes frustratingly vague on these things until you’re in the door.

I never looked at it in that way.

I originally turned down the second interview because I’m worried about starting a new job with a baby. But the company told the recruiter to share their feedback with me because they were so impressed.

Do you think you are able to negotiate topped up maternity pay?

Don’t forget that any company benefits - including maternity - can be changed by the company at any time, provided they stick to the statutory entitlement as a minimum.
I have seen this happen in many companies.
Dont make it the main reason to be in a job. Once you have a second child your nursery fees will (obviously) double and working fewer days may well be the priority for you.
This other job wants you and, if they are paying the same or more, than your current job then you need to consider it.
Alternatively, go back to your current job and tell them what you have been offered. Ask if there’s any leeway to negotiate fewer hours

I didnt even think about company’s can changed their MAT pay.

so many pros and cons for both. 3 days week on simlar salary is very attractive, but money isn’t everything.