help! pregnant on a fixed term contract- how to tell boss...rights, etc

[bumbleandbumble]

I am on a fixed term 6 month contract with only a weeks notice period. I have been told they intend to renew the contract and make it permanent when I was hired...they said it was fixed term as its a new role (sales/business development) and they needed to see how it works out.

I am now pregnant. I will be 21 weeks when the contract is due to end.

Obviously I want them to renew. There is no way I will be able to get a new job while 5 months pregnant.

So, how to I tell them? When do I tell them? At first I thought it best not to say anything and hope they renew, then tell them. However my belly is already pushing out and I am not sure that is possible. I also don't want to seem like I am tricking them.

But if I tell and they don't renew....how could I prove it was because I was pregnant?

Plus I am terrified at how angry they will be considering I have only just started there and the client relationships I form (in sales) are quite important.

Sorry on phone so can't respond in full but...if they don't renew but promptly go and advertise for someone else - that would look like discrimination. So if that happens keep your eyes and ears open.

If they really do get angry - well frankly would you really want to work for an outfit which is so unprofessional? I get that it may be annoying for them but they should never show that.

I think I'd be working as hard as possible to make a good impression and prove my worth. Then just tell my line manager but confirm I am really keen to stay on permanently. It's all you can do really.

Congratulations btw

Would you say that they are generally a bad or good employer?

If they're a good employer they'd keep you on if you're doing a good job. Especially if you drop hints/make it clear that you will be returning after maternity leave.

And a bit of a stupid question, but how replaceable are you? I know in my industry it is so difficicult to find the right people so they would never let go of a good one.

Hmmm. Its hard to say how replaceable I am. It's a business development role based on building long term relationships so it would seem silly to chop and change people... but its also the reason maternity leave would not be ideal for them. Its a good company.

Of course I am working hard, but I had a rocky start....really unsupported by my line manager and therefore it took a while for results to come in. In all honesty I would be worried about them keeping me on even if not pregnant. Simply because I am trying really hard but in the end companies judge you on the bottom line (at least in sales roles)..."yeah she is great, but how much £ did she actually bring in"

but do you think I should keep quiet or tell before the renegotiation?