Got the job without telling employer I am pregnant

[Emma70459]

Hi ladies!
So I'm looking for advice desperately.
I'm currently 37 weeks pregnant and 3 weeks ago,I had an interview for a zero hour contract admin job. They asked if I was able to start work full time immediately and I said "I am able to work full time for now".
They couldn't see that i was heavily pregnant as the interview was done online.
I wasnt expecting to get the job,so naturally I was thrilled when I found out that I got it.
Now my line manager is asking if I am available to work next week but I will be on maternity leave from next week.
How do I tell her that as much as i would love to start working for her i cant otherwise i would lose all my SMP? But i would definitely want to start working as soon as my maternity finishes.

I dont know what to do now or what to expect

In your position I would just tell them that due to personal or health reasons you won’t be able to start work after all, and forget about it. Probably there wouldn’t be questions asked from their side.

her colleagues will let me know if any other opportunities will come up.

I'd take this as not to expect any opportunities

I don’t think you need to do anything more at the moment. How long are you planning to be on maternity for? If you have an idea of when you will likely be returning to work you can let your line manager know that now so she has an idea of when to get in touch with future opportunities. You should also give her a call or email when you are ready to return to work so she knows you have availability.

Until September. She didn't ask when my maternity would finish, she just told me she will let me know if any future opportunities arise. I'm planning to send her more documents and a short email as well confirming my circumstances.

The worst that can happen is you never get offered any shifts when you get back. Best case is you let them know you’re available and carry on as if nothing had happened. You are no worse off either way. Relax and enjoy your mat leave.