Pregnant and probationary period??

[whenskiesaregrey]

I am currently 9-10 weeks pregnant, and got offered a new job last week. I didn't tell them I am pregnant.

I have just got my contract through the post and it mentions a 25 week probationary period, which I'll be lucky to complete as I'll be 39 weeks pregnant when it ends. Where do I stand with this? What happens if I can't complete the probationary period because I have the baby? And can they decide to not keep me on because of that reason?

Also, they have sent me an occupational health questionnaire, and it asks if I have 'any medical condition not mentioned on this form'. Is pregnancy a medical condition?

I was going to tell them I was pregnant when I start in Jan, as I'll have hopefully had a scan by then, but now I'm not sure what to do???

You will still be employed when you are on maternity leave so the only reason you won't complete the whole probationary period is if you either resign or they dismiss you.

If they either dismiss you before you have a chance to complete your probationary period or dismiss you at the end of your probationary period because you have gone on maternity leave that would be illegal discrimination.

In terms of the OH form I wouldn't mention it at this stage; you can't be penalised for not telling your employer about a pregnancy this early on. Tell them when you start after your scan as you planned.

Congrats on baby and new job!

I've just done the same.. I started my new job yesterday and I'm 18 weeks pregnant.. It was covered in my induction about pregnancy
They can't sack you for being pregnant If they want to terminate your contract they have to prove it was because you are no good at your job.. It's not worth the HR nightmare ! I'm going to tell them after my scan in Jan..

Thank you, that's a big help.