Is there a tactful way of asking this?

[StetsonsAreCool]

I was made redudant recently, and I'm applying for lots of jobs at the moment.

Aside from the fact that I've lost my job, the redundancy couldn't have come at a worse time as we're ttc. Those plans are most definitely on hold for the time being, we've taken our family plans off the table until I'm stable in a new job.

I'm hoping to have two interviews in the next couple of weeks. My only dilemma, and it's a low priority one, is this: Is there a good way of me asking if they have any maternity packages on top of the statutory minimum? My instinct is to not ask until I've been given an offer.

I'm getting way ahead of myself, as obviously I could end up not being offered either job anyway. Even though ML is such short-term thing, and in no way a deal-breaker, it would be interesting to know my options beforehand. Or should I just forget about it entirely (which I'll probably do anyway)?

You'll be told this at offer. Think through your optimum and non negotiable bottom line before the fact though.

i don't think there is......if u ask they will just thinking you're trying to go on maternity leave soon best not to ask that detail.

you could try a broader question saying you'd like to know more about benefits in detail and whether they can send leaflet, email etc.

Fizzy, that's exactly what I'm thinking - there's no way of asking without it sounding like I want to get off the first chance I get.

Thanks Perry. I had SMP/Leave last time, so I'm happy to get that again. It's more a curiosity.

Although it would be a good idea to see what other benefits they offer, like healthcare or gym membership etc.

I think its best dealt with at offer tbh - and if/when get the offer don't forget to Negotiate on salery -if you get a better deal if could make a big difference for year

BTW if its public sector or big privates sector most likely get extra - if smaller private sector most likely not in my experience

i don't think there is, but if you do get an offer then you can ask for all the information on "sick pay, pension, and all other benefits..."

anyway, if they didn't offer more than SMP then would you turn the job down? I would say any job is better than none right now..

the only other thought would be to do some networking - and see if say a friend of a friend works or worked at the organisations in question and have a chat to them - it would be good for interview prep anyway - and you could ask about benifits then

Thanks everyone, you're confirming what I already thought.

I wouldn't turn any job down right now I survived on SMP before, and I could definitely do it again. Both of the companies are larger private companies. I was in a small private company before.

If I ended up in the lucky (and let's face it, unlikely) position of being offered both, this might help me decide. It's not something that would stop me taking a job, not at all - just wondering if/how to ask