How to ask about maternity policies

[AB1986]

Hi,

I am looking for a new job and I know that in the next couple of years I will want to get pregnant. How do I ask the question in the recruitment process about maternity policy? E.g. qualifying period and also paid leave amount.

It's really hard to find publicly available information on policies that indicidual companies have.

Thanks

I wouldn't, really. You could ask for a copy of a staff handbook or something once you get an offer of employment, but I wouldn't start asking questions about how generous their maternity package is during recruitment.

I would always advise assuming statutory minimum only, and making a decision about a job based on the actual job itself, working environment, commute, all those other things, and don't consider maternity pay as being a factor.

Best to assume statutory minimum unless it is a senior management position. Asking may raise subconscious doubts in their minds.

Same position as you OP,.I have 2 offers on the table so am going to say "the salaries offered are.similar, the deciding factor will.be the package, can you please.give me info on annual leave, sickness, maternity, pension etc", just slot it in there. Agree it would be crazy to ask at interview, but once you have an offer it's a.perfectly sensible question to ask.

I really wouldn't ask during recruitment, you are meant to be demonstrating what you could bring to the job, not looking as though you are only interested in what you could get out of them.

I would ask about the full benefits package. That includes leave of all kinds including compassionate, sick etc. The overall package of benefits is part of the remuneration and absolutely something that you would use to compare potential roles. I can't imagine they would see it as suspect.