HR question - any advice appreciated

[Whatevertheweather]

Hi, a new position has come up at work which would mean a promotion for me should I get the job. However we have recently started ttc our 2nd dc and I just wondered does a promotion within the same company (been there 3yrs) class as continuous employment or would I start again re needing to have worked a certain number of weeks to qualify for maternity pay? Opportunity not likely to come up again anytime soon and don't want to not apply because theoretically I may fall pregnant as I'm well aware it could take a year or more to fall.

Also if I was lucky enough to get the promotion and I fell pg say next month - I would probably let someone else take the new position as would feel unfair to my employer - would I have to disclose to hr why I want to pull out? Wouldn't be keen on disclosure before 1st scan (superstitious!)

Company is large corporate and pretty good with employee welfare.

I know it's all a bit hypothetical but does anyone have any insight? Thank you

Yes a promotion within the same company counts as continuous employment so you would not need to "requalify" for maternity benefits.

You would not need to "give up" the promotion just because you got it shortly before becoming PG. Infact any employer who encouraged you to do this would be discriminating against you (= grounds for claim at employment tribunal)

Yes continuous employment is with the same employer, doesn't matter what the job is.

There's no reason you have to tell anyone why you decline a promotion, that's up to you. However lots of women have fought hard battles to ensure pregnant women are protected and don't have to give up promotions just because they are pregnant, so my personal view is that women shouldn't give up their rights to equal treatment because they feel bad for their employer.

Anyway, you'd be able to do probably at least 8 months in the new position - it's not as if you'd be off within 6 weeks or anything. And they can backfill by getting one of the other candidates to 'act up' as development for them.

Ah that's great news thank you both for your replies.

It's an interesting point re not taking up the position if I fell pg between say assessment and starting the job. I would just feel I'd 'let them down' after they trusted me with a really good position and know several of the people that are also going for the promotion may be a bit about it. Tis a fairly male dominated corp, have to say I wouldn't mind the enhanced pay which I could save up for mat leave .

Oh dear am getting a bit carried away with mythical pregnancy and hypothetical promotion!!