Applying for new jobs when about to go on Mat Leave?

[HelloBear]

Hi - I work in social care for a Local Authority, was promoted a couple of years back and have had good appraisals in this time. My manager says that she holds me in high esteem. BUT I have disliked my job for a long time and ended up signed off due to stress for 4 weeks recently. This is I feel a direct result of cuts/reorganisation and out of a team of 14 4 of us were signed off at the same time. I have a good relationship with my manager so was honest with her about deciding to apply for new jobs, which she supported and told me about jobs coming up. BUT then...I got pregnant, planned but happened very quickly.

So put the job hunting on hold and intended to look about 6 months into mat leave (taking 12 months off).

But since then my manager has said that the local authority are now doing a big recruitment drive in Sept. and I should apply for jobs then. I am due in October. She says that other teams would employ me despite the fact that I am about to go on Mat leave.

However I am slightly suspicious as I wonder if she wants to get rid of me for two reasons 1) going on mat leave for a year 2) I am a part time worker and she struggles with this being a workaholic herself.

So after my rambling...

Do you think that anyone would recruit someone about to go on mat leave? Or is it a waste of my time and theirs? Obviously I would be up front and honest about current situation (it would be hard to not be at an interview!)?

I suppose I could just apply, but I would be really upset if I did not get an interview and my confidence is low at the moment because of being signed off.

Congratulations!

I work in a hospital, and we certainly do accept applicants who are on mat leave. I know one woman who already works there, who has applied for, and got a new job in a different department. She brought her baby into the recruitment office when she came in for some pre-employment checks, had half the office crowded around cooing.

Just be honest on your application, and gives dates as best you can. I would expect if they did take you on, your current department would have to keep you on their books until you come back, so that the new department isn't paying for your mat leave. As for interviewing, you might need to sort out some childcare for it, maybe your mum/MiL could come along with you? Or a friend? Alternatively, they might be willing to arrange a phone interview for you.