New nanny started 4 days ago. She looks pregnant to me.

[solongivewaited]

I just don't know what to do. I don't even want to ask in case I offend.

Don't ask. Unless her bit of a tummy becomes a lot of a tummy. In which case, you should - whilst she obviously still needs to work, she also needs to be honest.

Offer her prawns sandwich or a runny egg? You will soon know!

Nothing you can do, but you had better read up about maternity leave/pay etc and make sure you have a plan for if she goes sick early on.

Its early days of employment so do as any other employer would do in the early days, keep an eye on how things are going. Have weekly review meetings. See if they are performing the duties of the job, being pregnant (or just carrying a bit of weight) does not mean they can't do the job, though if weight increases a lot then it may become limiting.

Contingency plan, consider if anything can be adapted to make things easier, such as reducing the need to carry heavy objects like toddlers.

Look at maternity rights, there is a date by which a pregnant employee has to tell their employer, think there is an official form for it in the UK.

Consider how you would have liked your employer to treat you when you were pregnant... Were you working during your last pregnancy? Do what you can to support them, if indeed the time comes when they do say they are pregnant.

As you say, I would definitely avoid rushing in as she might just always look like that! Some people suffer with bloating at certain times of the month too - which could possibly be mistaken for a small baby bump.

It won't hurt for you to consider what you will do if she is pregnant though - as nannies do tend to be young women, it can't be an uncommon thing to happen.

My nanny looked a bit pregnant when she started working for me too. Turns out she is just a larger lady. Took her just over 2 years before she actually produced a baby. I like to think that I have been a good employer. And in return she has been an excellent employee.

Certainly don't ask !!!!

I have a tummy - always have had - def not preg !!!

If she is then you will find out within the new few months - you won't be liable for smp as think need to be in a job for 2 weeks before falling preg - but nanny will be able to claim for ma - basically the same as smp without the 6 weeks at 90% of her pay

But at the moment don't worry about what will happen in 6mths if she is preg and you need to find cover - even if not preg no guarantee nanny will stay iyswim

Don't ask her! I've been mistaken for pregnant twice before and both times it devastated me!

Thanks. I think I will be liable for 6weeks SMP at 90%. Will I also pay 33 weeks of ma? It doesn't seem clear.

If she was already pregnant before you employed her she will not be eligable for smp. She would only get ma which our nanny was paid via the job centre. All depends on if she was pregnant before working for you, has she worked 6 months within a set period ie employed by you or last employer and does her earnings exceed the minimum weekly amount.
Do be aware that once they inform you as an employer you are abliged to do a risk assessment and provide reasonable paid time off for her to attend antenatal appt.
Though this may be academic as she may have just eaten toi many pies lol.

Thanks 2plus1.

I was told that even if you have to pay SMP to your nanny you can claim the money back. Not sure if its true though.

yes you can claim smp back at 104% which then includes ni

but if she has only been in your employment for 4 days, then you wont need to pay her smp and only ma - which again you can claim back

Thanks everyone.