Informing my Employer of my pregnancy

[Happydays2022]

I need to formally inform my employer of my pregnancy in writing. I want to make a suggestion they fill my position during maternity leave. Does anyone have any wording suggestions?

Here’s what I have so far…

I am writing to inform you of my pregnancy and my intention to take the full maternity allowance of 39 weeks. I intend to start my maternity leave on xxxxx. My return to work is expected to be xxxxx.

You dont need to tell them about your return to work date. You also don't need to commit to a shorter maternity leave than the allowed 1 year (this leaves you more leeway if you end up taking more than 9 months leave).

You just need to tell them about the pregnancy and when you want leave to start

Just tell them you’re pregnant, no need to confirm leaving date as yet or return date. No need to discuss cover either. They should let you know everything they’ll need.

She needs to tell them the maternity start date by week 25 of pregnancy to qualify for maternity leave

Thanks everyone but I do need to inform them of my intend start date.. I suppose I could inform the of the pregnancy and maternity start date and discuss cover in conversation. There is only 2 off us in the department and we only just get by between the 2 of us but no way would she cope on her own. I would like to think they would fill the position anyway.

You could argue it’s not my problem once I’m on leave but I’m a loyal employee and want to make sure everything is in place and a full handover has been done.

I definitely wouldn't tell them in writing how long you intend to take off. You could say informally that it was likely you would take the 39 weeks.

You dont need to mention anything about cover in your letter. That's up to them to sort out. The letter is so you qualify for maternity leave

You don't need to recommend they fill your position. You just need to notify them of the pregnancy and, if you're at that stage, your intended start of Mat Leave date.

It isn't just that it's not your problem, or anything to do with being a loyal employee or not, it just isn't up to you to decide. They'll arrange cover if they want to. If not, you'll do the best handover you can in the circumstances.

You can change your start date with 28 days notice so give them your intended date first. You can change your return date with 8 weeks notice so take the year to start with and then if you want to go back early let them know during your maternity leave that you want to return.

Your also assuming a straight forward pregnancy by stating dates now. You may need to finish work earlier than expected if exceptional tired or the baby may come early or late, you may want to come back after 6mths at home or take a full year. I felt differently during both my pregnancies one I worked till 38wks and then had baby at 42wks!, the 2nd I left work at 35 wks then had baby at 38wks. So at this stage I’d state your intended date to go on leave but keep your options open.

You literally need to write a couple of sentences. "I am writing to inform you of my pregnancy, my expected due date is XXX. I look forward to hearing from you soon with regards to next steps."

Presuming you are telling someone in HR or with some responsibilities they will know what they need to do when someone tells them they are pregnant!

Yeah I agree with others. Write what is legally required (pregnant, leave start date, maybe include your MATB1 for simplicity), then offer to discuss making arrangements if they would like. Then you can informally say when you expect to return but make the various ifs/buts clear.

I told work and once the ball was rolling I gave them the estimated due date and an estimated maternity date...to be confirmed after 20 week scan. I did have to give a going back date, which is flexible so long as I tell them in advance...

Way too much info, tell them
You're pregnant and when you intend to go on ML, up to them to sort cover

All you need to do is tell them you are pregnant.

You don't need to confirm your dates (stop and start) now. You should give 8 weeks notice of each.

You do not need to tell them you are pregnant until you are 25 weeks.

When you receive your Mat1B form from the midwife confirming your due date you need to give a copy to your employer.

Full maternity leave is actually 52 weeks, not 39 weeks.