In an absolute pickle regarding pregnancy and job situation

[olimpia32]

Hi everyone .

I recently accepted an offer of a new job. The job is great career progression and is still part time 3 days fitting in nicely for life with our toddler .

I have just found out I am pregnant . At the company I am with I would be eligible for their enhanced mat leave package which is 8 weeks full pay, 3 months of half price plus statutory, 3 months of statutory and 3 months unpaid . Conditions are you have to return for a period of 12 months or you have to pay it back .

If I went to do the other job ( 3 months notice and haven't got start date yet! So potentially could be 4-5 months pregnant when I start) I would therefore only get the maternity allowance which I believe is £132.I am not a high earned and earn around £20k part time 25 hours per week.

If I left on the plus side I would have a better job to return to , the downside is if I stay where I am I will basically be committing to them for antler 3 years - this year whilst pregnant then year mat leave a year I must return .

Has anyone been in a similar situation?
I would really appreciate some advice !

Thank you

[gypsywater]

Is it NHS?

[olimpia32]

@gypsywater yes ( I am not currently nhs though )

[gypsywater]

Maybe discuss with them when you've had a scan and can feel more confident that the pregnancy us going to progress? Defo wouldnt say anything until you've got to 12 weeks at least - personally.

[DianaT1969]

I would take the new job but not spend as long on maternity. Get back to work after 4 or 6 months if you need the income. You'll be doing a job you like with career advancement. Why sit at home on very low income. Maternity won't be much fun with two under 4 if you can't afford to go out much and worry about the bills.

[Spillanelle]

Tricky one, but personally I would stay put for the greater job security, better maternity pay and ability to WFH afterwards. Then I’d get through the year afterwards and make plans to leave shortly after that.

[olimpia32]

Yes I think it's sensible to wait until the scan . I was just thinking I will have definitely had a start date by then and then it's whether I put my notice in

[ScrapThatThen]

I think if it's nhs and you can afford it and don't mind the commute I would take the new job.

[olimpia32]

@DianaT1969 unfortunately I will be on less income as I won't get the weekend enhancements. There are better career prospects though for the future . If I stay put I am mindful of how self limiting it is .

[Twizbe]

Is it really a year you have to go back for? That is excessive for 3 months of full pay and likely unenforceable. Most places, if they have the clause, it's only 3 months.

[olimpia32]

@Twizbe yes it says 12 months or you have to pay it all back