We are FTB and found a house we really like. Started the process with First Direct. But when I started reading some online information about the almost automatic discrimination the lenders could hold against pregnant women, I started feeling really nervous.
I am 29 week, and I do plan to work until I couldn't. My arrangement with my employer (full-time/perm job) is to take maternity leave just before the due date and put on the paper for 1 year maternity leave but I would notify them 28 days in advance if I feel ok to be back to work. My company only offers the standard 6 weeks 90% pay, after that it would be the national standard. But we did the calculation, my husband's salary could easily make sure us be able to repay. And we apply for 5 year fixed rate as well, so low risk for increasing repayment for a long time.
What surprised me was when we were applying on phone, FD did ask if there's any long leave foreseen, e.g. parental leave. My husband was on phone and he said no - which is not a lie as he can't take any parental leave himself for his job nature. But I really didn't think nowadays the lender would put the question so straightforward...
Is it possible to say no when they ask me? I don't feel comfortable to lie. But if I say yes, they would absolutely reject our application.
I am also worried that a lot of people say that they would contact the employer to verify the employment status. Would they ask explicitly to my employer if I have maternity or any foreseeable long leave? If they ask, is that appropriate for my HR to release the personal information to a third party?
I don't want to be stressed out and have the baby affected in my tummy! But I can't help feeling so bad and don't know what to do!
Is there anyone can let me know if they would ask my employer this kind of question? Will HR provide information to them?
Thank you very much...