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Original poster

Accepting a new job whilst pregnant

31 replies

Kej13 · 18/01/2019 07:52

Hey, just looking for some opinions!

I've recently been offered an amazing new job which gets me out of my job that I absolutely hate and have done for years. The pay is amazing, it's closer to my house, it's just perfect.

This week however, I found out I am pregnant. I am over the moon and we've been TTC for two years and we've had one MMC so I can't even tell you how happy I am.

My problem now is do I tell my new employer now? I don't start for another 6 weeks and it might just be my past experience talking but I know being pregnant doesn't always lead to a baby, so do I rock the boat for no reason? I know it sounds clinical but if I were to turn this job down I don't think I'd get another chance.

My new job is with the NHS if that helps at all?

Thanks xxxx

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DrRanjsRightEyebrow · 18/01/2019 07:54

Congratulations on both counts! Start the job in 6 weeks. Tell them after 12 week scan. Yes it's awkward but nothing wrong with it so you just need to grit your teeth. I understand NHS are great with mat leave?

Foodylicious · 18/01/2019 07:57

Strictly speaking, no need to tell them before 20 something weeks.

Take the new job and good luck!

Cariadxx · 18/01/2019 08:08

I would check what the maternity package is.... my understanding is that you need to have been with your employer for a certain amount of time before getting pregnant in order to qualify so you might find yourself worse off

Original poster
Kej13 · 18/01/2019 08:36

I would only get SMP at my current job anyway and I'd still get that even if I didn't qualify for the maternity at my new job wouldn't I?

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Cariadxx · 18/01/2019 08:43

Yes it's the omp that you wouldn't qualify for. I work for the NHS and i didn't need to inform payroll officially until 15 weeks before due date but I told work earlier because of my job and risks involved etc

Topofthehills · 18/01/2019 08:47

Congratulations twice over!

Take the job and tell them when you're much further along. 25th week or something is the law I think, so around week 24. But of course you can tell them a bit earlier too.

Workplaces have to have stuff in place for maternity leave, and they will obviously figure it out!

TokenGinger · 18/01/2019 08:54

If you're no worse off on maternity pay, which you're not, then I'd say definitely take it. Xx

GabbyGal · 18/01/2019 10:10

Agree with PPs, I’d only suggest that you to think twice if it would mean being worse off financially while on maternity leave. Since it won’t, you should 100% accept the new job. Honestly can’t think of a single reason why you should turn it down based on what you’ve said. Congratulations!

Milligan123 · 18/01/2019 14:42

Firstly congratulations!!! I have had a similar experience... I found out I was pregnant the week I started my job( although it was returning to a company I have worked for before) I did tell them straight away and to be honest my manager really appreciated being told so early rather than having the shock further down the line. Sadly even though I have returned to a position I will not qualify for mat pay so have applied for maternity allowance which is similar to smp. My manager has been supportive and understanding throughout my pregnancy and has possibly been more excited then me at times! Hope this helps in any way x

PoutySprout · 18/01/2019 14:45

I would only get SMP at my current job anyway and I'd still get that even if I didn't qualify for the maternity at my new job wouldn't I?

You won’t get SMP if you are already pregnant when you take a new job. You’d be entitled to Maternity Allowance but you would have to claim it directly and whilst for 33 weeks it’s the same as SMP, you’ll miss out on the 6 weeks at 90%.

How pregnant would you be when starting? Some midwives will tweak dates on MATB1s but only by a week or so.

PoutySprout · 18/01/2019 14:47

Honestly can’t think of a single reason why you should turn it down based on what you’ve said.

She will be financially worse off.

OP - the employment board is much better for queries like this.

BeeYouTiful · 18/01/2019 15:26

In a similar situation, applied for my dream job back in October however due to funding it was put on hold.

Got my interview date today, and I'm 6 weeks pregnant!

If I am to be successful I will take the job without a doubt. I'm sure they won't be overly thrilled with the announcement that will come afterwards (as I don't want to run a risk of not being offered it by telling them first) but I will be happy to do KIT days on a regular basis to keep my face around.

Lucky for me the job is within the same trust, so in terms of pay etc nothing will change. I'll probably just be talked about for a little while.

THATS SAYING I GET IT Fingers Crossed

Original poster
Kej13 · 18/01/2019 15:33

Hey
Id probably only be about 10 weeks when I started. Is the only difference the 6 weeks at 90%? I thought as long as you were in continuous employment it wouldn't matter?? My issue is that I've already had an mmc and although I'm over the moon to be pregnant again my mind keeps saying it'll happen again so I really don't want to turn this job down then have another MMC and be stuck in the job I have currently... If it's only 6 weeks that won't matter too much....

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PoutySprout · 18/01/2019 15:39

You won’t be eligible for SMP if you’re 10 weeks gone when you start.

It’s around £145 per week for 39 weeks on MA. SMP is 90% of average earnings for 6 weeks, then 33 weeks at £145.

BeeYouTiful · 18/01/2019 15:45

www.nhsemployers.org/your-workforce/pay-and-reward/agenda-for-change/nhs-terms-and-conditions-of-service-handbook/parents-and-carers/maternity-leave-and-pay-section-15

This shows eligibility for SMP and OMP. I don't think you'll meet the criteria for SMP but you will be able to apply for a maternity allowance which is somewhat similar.

HonniBee · 18/01/2019 15:46

I would definitely do it. You have no way of knowing what will happen with the pregnancy, and it would be silly to turn down your dream job.

I was in a similar situation, took the new contract, then told my boss. They were fine with it.

Original poster
Kej13 · 18/01/2019 15:50

Ah okay well it's only 6 weeks that's different then isn't it?

OP posts:
PoutySprout · 18/01/2019 15:51

Bee the government set the rules for SMP/MA entitlement, not NHS terms and conditions.

PoutySprout · 18/01/2019 15:53

Yes.

But if you earn (for example) £450 a week that’s a big difference. (£1700 less over the 9 months)

Original poster
Kej13 · 18/01/2019 15:58

Yeah it's a lot to lose but in reality I wouldn't get any money from staying here other than 6 weeks at 90% as my company only do SMP anyway so it's only 6 weeks that would be any different. Better speak to DH later 😭

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sittingonthetallseat · 18/01/2019 15:58

Definitely take the job. Tell them after 20 week scan.

RebelWitchFace · 18/01/2019 16:00

I think have a look at your finances, how much you'd lose and for how long. Check what's the minimum you could cope with,as it's a limited period of time and at the end of it you'd have your dream job waiting for you.

SuziQ10 · 18/01/2019 16:06

Congratulations both on the job and pregnancy.

Accept the job if it's something you think you will enjoy. Don't tell them any sooner than you need to.
How long is your probation period?

MaverickSnoopy · 18/01/2019 16:13

Yes it's just the 6 weeks difference. I would still take the job in your position.

Original poster
Kej13 · 18/01/2019 16:14

That's fine, like I said it's only the 6 weeks that'll be different anyway? I'm gonna have to research what I'll be entitled to but any pay cut is worth a happy healthy baby, the mortgage will be paid 😻

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