Applying for jobs when pregnant

[thing47]

Hi, never posted in Legal before but find myself in need of some expert advice. My twentysomething DD2 is currently applying for jobs and has just found out that she is pregnant. Is she legally obliged to disclose this? What if an interviewer asks her directly (although this is unlikely as she's still quite young and looks even younger)?

You have to disclose to an employer by the 28 days before your maternity leave starts so she does not need to disclose at interview.

She won't be eligible for maternity pay though because in order to be eligible for Statutory mat pay you need to have been employed for 26 weeks before the qualifying week which if I remember correctly is 15 weeks pregnant. There is maternity allowance that people can claim if not eligible for SMP, if you look at the government website it provides the details.

Oh and interviewer really really should not ask, it leaves them wide open for a discrimination claim.

Absolutely do not disclose it. Dress well to cover any bump up subtly.

Women shouldn't be put at a disadvantage due to maternity rights.

Thank you so much. I don't think she'd feel right about claiming any maternity benefits in any case – she isn't trying to 'game' the system, she just wants a job for the next 6-7 months (she isn't currently in work so there's no notice period involved, she could start straight away).