Need to tell new job I'm pregnant...

[heytherebug]

So, I started the process for the new job in July (when I wasn't pregnant) and have only started my training this week. I will start my job officially in about 2 weeks. By then I'll be 16 weeks. I didn't want to tell them before I started as I really need the job. How should I tell them? Straight away? Wait until 20+ weeks? I feel awful but as i said, I couldn't go without employment for my whole pregnancy. I just need a bit of advice as I'm petrified as my new boss seems very up tight...

Can they fire me? Or sack me on my probation?

Help!

Also- it's a fixed term 12 month contract which is why I'm so nervous!

No they can't fire or sack you, but employers not infrequently try and screw over pregnant workers in other ways, so I would personally choose not to tell them for your first few weeks in the job at least and also make sure you are a member of a trade union so you have access to accurate legal/employment advice should you need it.

The usual rule is that you have to tell your employer 15 weeks before taking statutory maternity leave ( so by about 25 weeks at the latest - there is a calculator here on the government website www.gov.uk/maternity-pay-leave/how-to-claim ) but I’m not sure quite how that applies to people on short fixed term contracts. They definitely can’t fire you for being pregnant though!

I started my job at 14 weeks pregnant. Wasn't pregnant when I interviewed, accepted etc. They obviously aren't thrilled but have been nice about it. I'm permanent though so not sure what will happen for you - maybe contact maternity action and ask for some guidance? I'm assuming you would be eligible for any annual leave you would've acquired and be paid for that but then your contract would end after the 12 months? You might just about be eligible for maternity allowance, depends on your start date and when baby is born xx