Applying for new jobs- Can I ask about maternity?

[Annasaaa]

Hi all,

A bit new to this thread so not sure if there's already something out there about this, not having much luck with the search function!!

I'm 34, thinking about having kids in the next year or so, but also quite bored with my job and thinking of leaving. I've had a few interviews and going to get soon to the point where we discuss contracts etc. Can I ask about maternity? Or will this scare them off?? Seems outrageous I have to worry about this but hey...

Does anyone know anywhere that might post companies policies? Glassdoor doesn't seem to have much...

Thanks all!

i don't quite understand why you would need to mention maternity, and yes i think it would scare them off.
well done for even getting considered for jobs in this present economic downturn with uncertainty climate.
don't rock the boat. keep your personal family plans to yourself.
they will have to abide by the law, and surely you will have time to read their particular terms of employment before you have to commit yourself. i would just assume the legal minimum. anything more is a bonus.
good luck.

If you get offered the job then I’m sure they will give you details of what your remuneration package will include - and that will include maternity package etc - I wouldn’t ask before you get made an offer though

I wouldn't personally ask no. Like pp said, assume the legal minimum.

Don't ask unless you want to scupper your chances of being offered a job. No, it shouldn't be that way but unfortunately it often is. Once you are offered a job in writing you should get a copy of your contract which will spell out entitlements and you'll know then whether to accept the job or not.

Be aware that maternity benefits don’t usually kick in for a while (or at least, enhanced ones). So if you are thinking about trying to get pregnant soon, either aim to move job soon and possibly delay plans until you would be eligible, or just stay in your current job. Also, be aware that it’s usually easier to negotiate returning hours with a workplace that you are established in. I would not be asking about maternity benefits at interview stage.

I wouldn't specifically ask about maternity . But asked for their terms and conditions of employment. And good point that some maternity benefits might not apply till you have been in the job a certain length of time.

I would strongly advise against asking about maternity packages at interview.

(And I completely disagree with your 'hey ho, as if I should be worried about this' attitude. Makes you sound very off putting and of course you shouldn't start any job with the attitude that you'll be away from it shortly).

Other than very unique / exceptional circumstances, I wouldn't feel positive toward a prospective employee - male or female- who specifically asked about terms of any absence at interview - be that maternity, sabbatical, sickness policy etc.

I wouldn't.

No don't, especially if it's a small business, it's such a massive issue for the smaller companies, I know it shouldn't be but unfortunately this country hasn't made it easy for small businesses to absorb maternity rights.

I wouldn’t.

Posted too soon; I can see why you'd want to know the answer if you're comparing job offers, but you're really going to have to try and find out by stealth, if at all.

On the whole, it's best to assume standard terms only.

In my organisation, which has been through acquisition and restructure, there are also differing terms for those on previous contracts, so it's not always straight forward either.

For example, a colleague in another team has just had her bubble burst assuming 24 weeks enhanced pay as per her team mates who had taken leave, but turns out she's not eligible for enhanced as she's not from the original TUPE'd team post 2018 joiners are on new terms.