Applying for jobs - moral dilemma

[LuP]

Hi All

Sorry, I know someone else posted about this recently but I can't find the thread.

I'm currently 7 weeks pregnant following a missed miscarriage a couple of months ago (baby stopped growing at 7 weeks, I miscarried at 9 weeks). I'm obviously a little nervous that the same thing will happen again and am currently applying for jobs. If all goes well and I get offered the job do I tell them I'm pregnant bearing in mind that there is a small possibility that this pregnancy won't make it either or do I keep schtum?

Any advice much appreciated!

Lu

Keep schtum. While it's against the law for them to discriminate on grounds of your pregnancy, practically speaking I'd be surprised if anyone gives you a job thinking that you'll be off on maternity leave in 6 months or so (unless you're applying for something short-term). That is entirely aside from your previous MMC. Good luck this time BTW.

Oh, that's tricky. I remember reading the previous thread and the conclusion was the employers are much less likely to take you on if you tell them. However, as a manager I'd want to know.
Are you working at the mo? Bear in mind that leaving a job you've been in for more than 6 months to go to a new job may dramatically reduce your maternity benefits (although you'll obv still be entitled to SMP). Sorry - appreciate you prob have a v good reason for wanting to change jobs now....

Don't say a word.
And, if it helps (with the other issue!) I was in exactly the same position last summer - miscarried at 7 weeks (in the middle of a job interview!) but then got pregnant a few weeks later. I'm due in June!

I'm currently working part-time but on a freelance basis (I use an umbrella company so am an employee and get SMP)so won't be much worse off by changing employer but thanks for pointing that out. The job I'm applying for is 3 days a week and permanent so I'm keen to get that stability.

Essie - that's great news, congratulations. It would seem that I got pregnant a couple of weeks after my miscarriage so am delighted but that's obviously tinged with a little apprehension. I already have a 2yo DD so I know I can carry a pregnancy full term so just keeping my fingers crossed...

Thanks for the advice, much appreciated.

Don't tell them, none of their business and anyway, why should being pregnant preclude you from earning a living!

IME employers don't blink when they make pregnant women and new mothers unemployed, sidelined, missed out on promotions and generally treated like shit.

Tell them nothing and if they do query it at a later date then just say you didn't know...