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Pregnant & applying for short term work

2 replies

guinealady · 11/11/2011 22:16

I am almost 18 wks pregnant, currently out of (paid) work, and have an interview coming up for a 6 month contract job, which would be mainly work from home 2 days a week, with some requirement to attend meetings.

6 months would take me past my due date, so realistically unless I end up being overdue, I won't be able to complete the contract in full, although obviously the work being home-based I'd be able to carry on as long as I could.

I know that legally I have no requirement to disclose this information and they cannot discriminate on the grounds of pregnancy, but my dilemma is whether it's morally questionable not to be honest about it - will they respect me more for saying 'I can work for you for 5 months but probably not the full 6' ?

I am in such a pickle about whether I am doing myself out of a job if I am completely upfront, or whether I'm judging the situation too harshly - if they decide they'd rather have me for 5 or 5 1/2 months than someone else for 6 months, why not take the chance and be honest?

Having asked friends has led to very mixed responses - my other half thinks honesty is the best policy, a solicitor friend thinks I should say nothing at the interview but disclose the information if they offer me the job (presumably they can't withdraw the job once offered, though?!), a friend who's got a baby thought I should say nothing and hope I go past my due date! So many different opinions, I don't have a clue what to do!

OP posts:
Grevling · 12/11/2011 11:31

Your solicitor friend is sort of right sort of wrong. Bear in mind that under 1 year they can end your contract with no reason given.

Honesty is the best policy. If they are to find out that you're pregnant and not going to complete the contract I would be very annoyed that I was not informed - lack of trust not the best way to start work.

I'd turn up be honest explain to them that they won't owe you any Mat Pay as you won't qualify and hope your the best candidate.

guinealady · 14/11/2011 11:57

Thanks Grevling for the very sound advice. Definitely going to go for honesty and hope they think if I am lucky enough to be the best candidate, I'm worth hiring for 5 1/2 months rather than another candidate for 6....

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