When is a good time to share baby news with your employer?

[SquigsC]

Hello all!

I am 14+3 and this is my first pregnancy. I am unsure about when to tell my work that I am pregnant. I have only been there for 8 months (I have passed my probation) which is why I think I am so nervous.

I have been treated well so far, and my boss is fantastic (although she isn't interested in babies at all!) and so I feel bad. But equally I have heard of horror stories that if redundancies do come up they will kick out those that are pregnant...

Is it worth joining a union? Or am I just overthinking things?

You’re quite well protected by law in pregnancy but a union is probably more useful now than it has been at other points.

It depends on you and your job. You must notify your employer by 26 weeks (see gov uk). If you feel it would help or if there’s a safety aspect you may want them to know sooner. Up to you really. Pregnant then screwed is helpful on your rights.

Make sure you have family legal insurance before you tell them.

Hopefully you won't need it but mine cost £21 and covered me for £60,000 when I had to take them to a tribunal.

The trouble with thinking you are covered by law, is that there is no legal aid available. If they fire you, can you afford to hire a decent employment lawyer ?

Most people can't.