Approached about a role - want to negotiate the maternity package

[HopefullyDothButterNoParsnips]

Hello, I've been approached by a big firm and asked to join their team. I wasn't actually looking to move jobs as we are about to TTC but the role is very tempting and it's a great opportunity. I had an initial discussion with the head of the team and told her honestly that I'm reluctant to move as I want to start a family soon. I figured I may as well put it on the table. She said this is not an issue for her provided I am willing to return to work after mat leave.

I have a formal interview with them next week and given how much they've pursued me already, I'm expecting an offer to follow quite soon. My question is should I renegotiate the maternity package at the offer stage and how do I go about this? I'm thinking of asking them to agree to give me the enhanced package after six months rather than 12 - I think that's fair since they've approached me rather than the other way around. Any advice welcome! Thanks

If it's a large firm I would suspect it may be quite difficult to change the maternity package for one member of staff.

Also will it not make them have doubts? Yes they have chased you but ideally employee and employer relationships should be reciprocal. You make it look like you are thinking of them as maternity package providers as opposed anything else.

If you aren't already pregnant then you'll be there at least 9 months before you go on maternity so why would you need it reduced to 6? If you ask for it to be reduced to 6 then she may well assume you are already pregnant. 12 months means you need to wait 3 months from starting the job before TTCing, not a big deal?

Is the enhanced package "strings attached" ie if you don't return you have to repay the extra? If not, you could suggest this, to show you really do intend to return - might make them more likely to agree

I'd just hold of TTC for a couple of months, unless you think there will be issues. You won't need enhanced after six months - even if you conceive on the first day you'll still be working at six months.
I wouldn't want to mark myself out as someone who wants special treatment during pregnancy or as a working mum. Sounds like they look after their staff anyway if they offer an enhanced package.

Thanks for the tips. I work in the UAE so you only get half pay unless you work 12 months. I'd also have to wait out my current notice period before moving which is three and I'm about to go on secondment which might delay handing in notice by another three months so potentially looking at 18month delay on accruing full rights. Not trying to drip feed just didn't want to make the OP massively long.

I think I'll ask for them to tie enhanced mat package into probation and then they can take it off me if I don't return to work. I'm. It already pregnant. I had a miscarriage earlier this year and we agreed we'd start trying again this month (big holiday so wanted to wait so not in first trimester while away). I don't want to defer trying for 9-12 months just for the sake of a job. Has anyone negotiated benefits on a move?

Maybe things are very different in the UAE, but any decent sized employer here would be very very unlikely to deviate from its normal package for one person, however much they wanted them. Maybe a CEO-level post, but then they would be rather less keen to have a new CEO who was expecting to go on mat leave so soon after starting the role

That should say "not already pregnant".

I don't want to come across demanding to the new firm so I'm conscious of that but as I say I wouldn't be otherwise be considering a move as the timing isn't great for a few reasons. I withdrew my interest on the role last week and they approached me again and asked me to change my mind which is when I mentioned family plans. They were very understanding about it and the head of the team said she was hired while heavily pregnant so I think that's a good sign.

I just really don't want to have to wait the best part of a year before we can have a baby so thought I'll ask for best deal and if it's a no go I can walk away? Just wondering if anyone had any tips on negotiating it? Thanks

Yes I see... ultimately though they are taking a big risk taking on someone who they know is TTC since many women change their career plans after they have a child. I think if you are seen to be too focused on the mat package they may be scared off and think you're not that bothered about career. So it's a question of how much you want the job really.

I also agree about most employers being unwilling to deviate - they are often worried about setting a precedent where everyone else will ask for the same thing. If they say they can't make exceptions then you could phrase it in a different way perhaps eg say 12 months is fine but can your notice period at current job count towards the 12 months. (I think you'd have to let the secondment go). That might work...

Good luck - I think it's worth a try but yu've got more chance of success if you ask for 9 months+ (ie make it clear yrr not pregnant yet!) and if you offer "strings attached" ie repay if not returning. Make it clear again you do love the company, job etc and would want to return but you just want to try to maintain your existing mat pay position.

Thanks I will quite happily agree to adding strings. Will see what happens. I just don't want to have to start from square one re rights again as they take so long to accrue.

Why not negotiate on salary instead and ask for a raise equivalent to the enhanced maternity package (if that makes sense)? They're much more likely to agree to a big pay rise if they really want you.

Thanks I'll see how it goes after the interview and what they come back to me with. It would cost them more to give me a rise than agree to let me take maternity early but worth looking at a few options.