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When to mention pregnancy during restructure

5 replies

toots111 · 09/03/2015 20:40

I work for a big global bank and have done for almost 8 years. My team is about to go through a big restructure, we've known that it is coming for a while, and whilst I don't know what it looks like, the rumours are that my team and another time will be merged and either me or my counterpart will get the job as head of the combined team. The other will either report into the head or will be given another role. At this time I don't think this will be a redundancy situation but there is always that possibility.

I am 12 weeks pregnant. I'm not celebrating yet following 2 miscarriages last year (it's the 12 week scan tomorrow so may feel more confident after that) so haven't told anyone. I was wondering when people thought it would be the best time to tell my boss the news (all being well).

We are likely to find out the new structure at the end of March and I think that there will then be a process to determine who should get the head of team role. My company has form in not giving people who are pregnant promotions so I am a little worried that if I tell them now I will ultimately be out of the running before the process even opens. But if I don't tell them until I find out if I have the job then they will be really annoyed with me when they find out I'll be going out on maternity leave 4 months or so after getting it and it would not put me in a good position going into the new role.

Of course, there is no guarantee I would get it - I'm better in one aspect than the other person, he is better in another aspect, neither of us would be happy working for the other.

Any advice?

OP posts:
rallytog1 · 09/03/2015 21:19

I wouldn't tell them. Yes, they can't legally discriminate, but there are ways and means to treat you unfairly whilst maintaining a semblance of fairness. I know you're worried about them being annoyed if you get the promotion then go on maternity leave, but surely that's better than potentially missing out altogether.

I say this as someone who regrets telling my employer early about a pregnancy. In an ideal world it wouldn't make a difference, but in reality it often does.

Skiptonlass · 20/03/2015 18:37

Don't tell them. Let them appoint on merit.

Notrevealingmyidentity · 20/03/2015 18:40

I wouldn't say a word until it was done and dusted. If I were you.

merrygoround51 · 20/03/2015 18:42

Don't say a word until you absolutely have to and on your first you may get to 20 weeks before it's very obvious

EmilyMaud · 21/03/2015 21:31

Yes, keep quiet. Don't let them discriminate against you because you are pregnant. They will! I have seen it happen so many times (including to myself)!
Congratulations on your pregnancy btw. Sorry to hear of your previous miscarriages.

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