Starting a new role whilst pregnant?..

[WelshVix]

Hi all,

We are relocating back to the UK following almost 4 years out of the country (the relocation is driven my husbands job). Coming back is slightly daunting driven predominently by the fact that I'm not sure what to do over work (and that i'm scared about having a baby in the UK, but I'll save that for another post). I love working and in an ideal scenario I would love to find another job when I arrive, however I'm conscious that I will be around 15 weeks pregnant. I understand that I won't receive SMP as I won't have been in the organisation for long enough but is there any chance of finding a company who will take me whilst pregnant? Has anyone experienced this?

Just to note there is no opportunity to transfer to the UK with my current organisation.

They have to consider you on your merits, it isn't a question of them picking and choosing - Equality Act and all that, so put in your application and do your best at interview.

If you can highlight any unique skills, that will stack up in your favour.

Hi Vix, I’m job hunting at the moment, currently 12weeks pregnant, after taking voluntary redundancy from my current employer (agreed before I found out I was pg!).
I am not disclosing my pregnancy at interview or before, will wait until job offer/acceptance. Legally this is fine and right. I appreciate it might cause hassle for managers when I start as I’ll be on leave after about 3months in post, but they’ll get years of good service from me when I get back. I don’t have a bump yet and have quite a few forgiving dresses for interview later on...

I am also interviewing in large organisations (think nhs, civil service) so think they are more capable of absorbing the impact of mat leave. Saying that, I am dreading telling an employer, but I can’t afford/don’t want to leave job hunting until the end of mat leave.

If you’ve been paying tax in the uk you may be eligible for maternity allowance (about 500pcm) but obviously nothing from your new employer.

Ps happy to chat about your worries about having a baby in the uk!

Another ps, although Daisy suggests to put it in your application, I personally wouldn’t. They could find another ‘valid’ reason not to select you, or conversely might feel under pressure to recruit you to avoid claims of discrimination. Basically I think it just complicates a process that should be about your skills and capabilities.