Hello everyone, Found out I was pregnant a few days ago – not really planned but we would like to keep it. First time, 38 soon and early days so I know anything can happen. Probably would never have planned one as it is never the right time!
Anyway, been employed in a company for 10 years and my contract is ending in December. Really not sure what to do. I should be entitled to around 20k redundancy Which would be a massive help as savings etc are totally depleted with our wedding this year. My plan is to hopefully get the redundancy get maternity allowance and hopefully get another job (applying like crazy at the moment). I’ve never been pregnant, already feel sick all the time and tired. Am I being realistic thinking I can get a new job and do well in new job and not put employers off by being pregnant??
The other option is to potentially take a lower paying job in current company (another temp contact of about 18 months to 2 years) through redeployment portal. Job could be between 8-4k less per year and also be entitled to 18 weeks full pay then SMP. I have a couple hundred spare each month at the most if I don’t get take aways/coffees/go anywhere so not sure if less money is really an option. Plus my mortgage is going up in April.
Is it better to have a lump sum and hope I find another job or is it better to have more security with a lower paying job? Is there anything else I am not thinking of?
I have heard the law has recently changed and pregnant women are to be protected during redundancy. I am in northern ireland - not sure if the law has also changed here. If i was offered a role without the pay decrease i would take it but i am currently in a lab based role which i don’t want to work in while pregnant. Could they force me to do that?
Many thanks for any advice.