Interview at 8 weeks pregnant - should I tell them about the pregnancy?

[hattyyellow]

I've got an interview on Friday at which point I'll be 8 weeks pregnant.

It's actually for a freelance role, but one where they are looking for someone to work with them 3 days per week on a "long-term" basis.

Obviously they won't have to pay me maternity pay and I would hope to go back to work for a couple of days per week next summer - if all goes to plan with the pregnancy. But I would work May to November which isn't hugely "long-term".

I don't want to prejudice my chances as I've heard they are quite a hard-headed employer who might just drop me from the recruitment process and they have a number of people going for the role. I do think I would be a good fit for the role and would "earn my keep".

It does feel a bit early to tell them before 12 weeks - but they are based at the other end of the country (it's home based work) so I'd have to tell them in a few weeks by phone if I got the work which might be awkward.

Can anyone help me? My brain has shut down!

if you would be finishing the work for them before the baby is actually due, and they won't be paying maternity pay, I don't see the need to tell them at all, tbh.

No, don't tell them. You are not legally obliged to tell them.

Cheers squonk,

If I finished in November it would be to take a break for maternity leave..rather than the contract finishing then, the contract would be on-going longterm into next year...

Don't tell them.

Once you've told them it's irreversible. If you haven't it's not. So keep it to yourself for now.

oh, well in that case....

still don't tell them

Wow, good to have a universal agreement! Looking like not telling them is winning...thanks all!

I wouldn't say anything at 8 weeks.

What everyone else said

don't tell.

speaking as someone who told for a job that myself and 2 others were going for. 2 positions. I was the one with experience and had been doing the job for the few months before.

I didn't get the job.

Blimey - glad I asked! So wait for 12 weeks and do a "by the way" phone call once I've proved myself then?

I wouldn't even bother with that - there's no need for them to know, is there.

Just mention it if you need to be somewhere pregnancy related - and if you can manage to make it sound as if you thought they knew all along, that would be good

You're right, I think because it's so utterly at the centre of my universe I presume everyone else needs/wants to know too!

Thanks all

Dont tell them, I used to be a senior manager and i would tell all my team never to divulge anything that would enable someone to discriminate against them. Its wrong, it shouldnt happen but ive seen some horrendous things where people have been discounted for age, children etc. horrendous and HR turned a blind eye. I never discuss my age, my maritial status etc its not relevant to the job and nor is your pregnancy! Good luck at the interview

no leave it until you get offered it.
then if they pull it you'll have grounds for grievance on discrimination

Don't tell them, there's no need at all. Yes, it's illegal to discriminate but just don't give them the opportunity to.

Only tell them once you actually need to, wait until 12 weeks anyway, unless you are being so sick they need to know or something else.

Thank you all so much! I really appreciate it - definitely not telling them!

Nope, no way.
I work in quite a male orientated workplace (medieval history, bizarrely - you'd think I was in the city!) No matter what they say they won't get it. Wouldn't mention it at 8 weeks, or at 20 (if possible to get away with it!!) during a job interview.
I think it might also put them in a difficult position, and if you then didn't get the job, you could sue (this is extreme, of course) and they would have to pay you loads or give you a job. Which would be a lovely way to start a new job...not!

you dont have to tell them until you are 11 weeks before due date or something like that. also i would say i did not mention it earlier as still early and alot can happen. i still have not told my employer and i am 18 weeks now.....

I've been looking for a job since I was around 8-10 weeks pregnant. I've scrupulously told every prospective employer that I'm expecting in August, and so far I haven't found a job.

The only interview I got? The single one where I deliberately didn't mention on the application form that I was pregnant. To see if it made any difference to getting one... You have seen their faces drop at the interview when I told them. So, no I wouldn't tell them, if you want the job!

Blimey! Okay I will not be telling them!

I might have to find an excuse to cover up why I am yawning frantically and looking very green mid-afternoon though!

You never know, if you told them you were pg, ypu might be up against someone else who is and didn't tell. All's fair in love, war and job hunting.

im 22 weeks and have an interview today im not telling them i can just about squeeze into my normal trousers i can get away with looking abit fat rather then pregnant the one and only time i want to look chubby and not pregnant

I seem to remember you don't have to tell until 4 weeks before you go on mat leave or something?