How can I get a job if I’m not eligible for free childcare because I don’t have a job?

[Feliciacat]

Posting here for traffic.

Hi! I’m three months pregnant and my fixed term contract ended a week ago. I’ve been looking for a job for four months to no avail and sadly, most jobs aren’t permanent due to the economy. So I’m looking at temporary jobs but I can’t really commit to 12 month contracts as I need to leave in October 2025. Even six month contracts are hard because by the time I’ve been onboarded, I’ll only have five months of the six in which I can work. I have a couple of interviews for summer temp work as I think that’s my only option now.

So I won’t get OMP as I won’t have had stable employment for long enough. I also likely won’t have a job to go back to after maternity. But I need to be working to qualify for free childcare but I can’t afford to start work if I don’t have free childcare.

Oh and so as not to drip feed, I have a DH but he’s at risk of redundancy and he’s really stressed being the sole earner. Also, it may seem stupid to have got pregnant when my job was due to end but my infertility consultant said I had barely any time left to conceive so it was now or never really. We have zero family support to help with childcare as I’m estranged from mine and DH’s parents are dead.

Wibu to look for night shift work so that we wouldn’t need to pay for childcare? This is the only way I can think of that I can work in my circumstances. This is a miracle pregnancy but I can’t enjoy it as I’m so stressed thinking that we may end up destitute at this rate.

If you are a contractor anyway are you limited? Thing may have changed since I went ltd a few years ago but you are/were given a grace period of a year from start of trading to make the minimum income to qualify for free hours.

I did this when it was from 2/3 years though so look up what you need to do. You only need to pay something like £12 a year to register as limited.

Worth checking if you can do this as well as having a normal job to cover you.

@MrBirlingthank you so much, that’s reassuring to hear. Haha I do have quite a bit going on!

@HowManyDucksI’m so sorry you went through that. How terrible but how brave you are to escape. I hope you are experiencing better times now. I don’t qualify for any benefits as DH earns too much atm.

@40weeksmummyyou’re so right about night shifts. I’ve done them before and it nearly killed me. Seems better than earning diddly though. If only pursue night shifts post birth, definitely not now.

@converseandjeansit’s good to know you managed in the end. Thank you.

@AirFryerCrumpetI think you’re right; see what turns up.

@PeloMomthat's a pretty good idea actually. I’d probably enjoy nursery work.

@CerialkillerI’m not a contractor, I just haven’t been able to get anything permanent because there’s a bit of a cuts crisis in HR at the moment. Your advice is really good though so thank you.

I know care work has been mentioned but you could look at residential homes for adults with learning disabilities - there shouldn't be any manual handling. They will have overnight shifts where you're there in case of emergencies. Can sometimes be able to sleep but will depend on the role.

If you’re in HR why are you thinking that you can’t take a 12 month contract?

People can’t “go limited”.

A limited company is a separate legal entity. There are lots of requirements around audited accounts and having the company set up legally. It’s highly unlikely to be worth doing if you’re not going to be turning over £60k+

Could you consider some self employed work? On a project basis for example rather than contract. I started working freelance during mat leave. You can earn less and still be eligible for free hours if it's a new business. That may provide a gateway into work

My friend’s nanny also brings her similar aged child to her ‘job’ or you can search for a family to drop off their kid at yours and you look after both- not sure if you need to get insurance, etc though.