How to tell my boss I'm going on maternity leave??

[charleybelle]

Help! I am so nervous to tell my boss that I will be going on maternity leave at the end of the year as we have spent a lot of time and effort extending my contract at work and now I'm not going to be there to do the work. I have been pushing to get my contract extension formalised (it's all in emails and the money is there just don't have a letter from HR) and I'm worried she will think I have behaved unfairly by getting her to extend my contract. How can I tell her without her thinking badly of me? I am so nervous - I need to tell her sooner rather than later because she keeps suggesting thigns we can do in the new year!! What's the best way of bringing it up? Face to face? Or can I email her?

Face to face. Just be open, honest and factual. The fact you are pregnant does not affect your right to have your contract extended. Any hint of this and she will be in very hot water.

Do it in writing - so if they discriminate they cannot pretend they didn't know.

I'd tell her face to face out of politeness then follow it up with an email so you've got a paper trail. Your pregnancy shouldn't affect your contract.

It is a really nerve wracking thing to do but you will feel so much better when it is done. Grit your teeth ask for a word with her, tell her face to face and also hand her a written letter stating it too so it is all official. Good luck x

Face to face then follow up with an email so you have a paper trail. Something like,

"Hi, thanks for taking the time here - I need to let you know I'm expecting and due roughly xx. I'll work on a handover plan so that we can get appropriate cover for when I'm out and of course I'll draw up a full handover for my cover and train them as needed so that any transitions are as smooth as possible."

You then follow up with an email, cc HR and your boss. If you need risk assessments etc (a must if you work in a lab/physical job/dangerous job etc) then you need to put that in the email as well. Something like "as part of the job involves x, I assume I need a risk assessment - please let me know what our procedure is for this."

Keep it short, factual and positive, with the focus on how you will minimise disruption to the business and make any transitions as smooth as possible.

After that, it's just a matter of hoping they treat you well!

Thanks for the advice. Have arranged a meeting to tell my boss tomorrow. Eek! Wish me luck!!

Have just told my boss, it didnt go very well. She panicked and tried to go back on my contract extension. In contact with HR now to make sure she can't do this. Atleast it's out in the open now though!!

Oh dear ... Well, I think now is the time to talk to acas. Get advice. If you've got emails I suggest printing a couple of copies off as well. Highly unprofessional of her.

My boss was an absolute shit when I told her too. I've been 100% professional and present despite severe nausea and now spd. All you can do is get good advice, maintain your professional demeanour and fight for your contract. I'd also have a talk with her once the panic has died down to work out cover and transitions...

What a bummer :(

Holy fuck.

Sorry your boss is being such a twat.

sorry to hear that.
There's also www.maternityaction.org.uk/wp/ who have factsheets and an advice line, if you want further advice on what to do.
Good luck!