applying for a job whilst pregnant

[luckycat2]

Hi everyone,
I've seen a job advertised within the company I currently work for and would really like to apply for it.
The problem is I am in my 2nd trimester and everyone at work knows about it, including HR and the people who will be interviewing me (should I get that far).
If I got the job I would have to go on maternity leave 2 months later.
Good jobs hardly ever come up within my company and it feels like I have waited years for this to come along.
My other half is willing to work part time and look after the baby when I go back to work.
My current job is only guaranteed for 6 months after the baby is born, so I could end up being unemployed during maternity leave.
Should I apply? Do I risk embarassing myself by doing so? Is it unreasonable for me to apply? Legally if I was the best candidate would they have to employ me? (providing they don't think of another reason not to, although my employers are pretty reasonable).

Thanks for your help :)

Yes apply. No you won't embarass yourself. Legally they couldn't not offer you the job because of pregnancy, that would be unlawful. I would be misleading you if I said no one will have a problem with it. The reality is it will be seen as a bit of a pain, they want someone to come in and get stuck into the role, and you're going to be disappearing off. But you have to play the long game, particularly as your own current job isn't secure, and actually recruiting so close to maternity leave isn't the end of the world as they could potentially recruit maternity cover at the same time

Hi Flowery,

Thanks for your response, very helpful.
I'm prepared that they might not be best pleased, but I do need a job!

Agree with flowery. It's your employer's issue, not yours.

Do make an effort on KIT days and make sure childcare on your return is reliable though.

Hello, Highinthesky, could you tell me what a KIT day is please?

Thanks

(KIT) keeping in touch day is a day when you can go into work while on mat leave. You are paid for these days and you can do up to 10.

I went for, and got, a promotion whilst on mat leave. It can happen if they want you enough - mine was a new role so no-one missed me whilst I was off, if that makes sense. They did then want me back earlier so I negotiated to come back early but use a day's holiday every week for the first 3 months. I then applied for the 4 day week officially and they couldn't really refuse!

If you want the job, go for it!