Civil service job interview - how to disclose pregnancy

[MustardYellow]

Hi,

I have an interview coming up for a job that I applied for in another CS department while I was at the end of my first trimester. I was advised by someone working in recruitment at my current department to apply even though I was pregnant.

They have offered me an interview for the job but I'm now a few days away from being in my third trimester. I forgot about the application to be honest as they took so long to get back to me. I'll attend the interview for experience as I'm sure they won't offer the job to someone who will be going on mat leave soon, (bit annoying that they came back to me so late as I am really keen to leave my current role but will now need to job hunt after mat leave).

Does anyone have any advice on how to tell them at interview? Do I just tell them at the end before finishing the interview? Trying to think of the least awkward way possible 😬

Thanks!

Is it f2f or virtual? I wouldn't tell them if you can hide it. See if you get the job and then tell them. If they really want you they will wait.

I wouldn't mention it at all, as not relevant. If the interview is in person, they can see for themselves. Go for the interview, do your best. The time to discuss is if they make you an offer.

I was successful getting a job a week before I gave birth but it was face to face and i was already on Mat leave. Plus knew the recruiting manager. They were happy to wait 9mths for me and my salary was paid from a central HR pot not the team budget so they could still get some cover as needed. I would tell them if they offer you the job or if it comes up in the interview ie your not lying but not highlighting it..

Don't you have to have told them by the time you're 25 weeks? I'm sure you can tell them if / when you've accepted the job.... I'm just going on memory and a vague recollection of a MatB1 form

Don't mention it

If you did tell them it shouldn’t influence their decision. I therefore wouldn’t tell them. i wonder if it would make it awkward for them in telling them as once they know they can’t unknow? If you are offered the job get it in writing and then tell them.

I think that anyone who intentionally misleads a new employer about a pregnancy is a absolute tosser

Don't tell them. I do a lot of interviews for CS and I would be amazed if anyone told me that. It's simply not relevant. If you get offered the job as part of negotiations on start date share this relevant info then as it would impact when you start etc...

And this is why equality laws are needed.

I wouldn’t bring it up. The way I look at it is that laws have been put in place to ensure you are not at a disadvantage, so you should be no more obliged to tell them than a man who is about to become a father again.

It legally makes no difference to whether they should be hired or not, so it would be like choosing whether to disclose whether you're 5ft7, or any other information that's irrelevant to the job. Nothing misleading about it.

Only tell them if you're offered the job OP

Thanks all.

the interview is virtual so they won't be able to tell. Doesn't it create an awkward situation if I'm offered the job and have to tell them then?

@WeeOrcadian I've already handed in my matb1 form to my current department and they're aware of the pregnancy.

If I am offered the job I'll have to check with HR if my maternity leave entitlement will be transferable

It might be a little awkward but it shouldn't be. We are used to it. It happens. Don't worry about it. Just focus on the interview. Good luck.

Thank you! @Jewel1968

As a manager in the civil service I'd far prefer it if the candidate was open but discussed how keen they were to reurn after mt leave and what they would do to repare for the new role before their leave starts, that wy they could potentially offer a mat cover to c=someone else and plan that in their minds

Don't tell them until you know if you're getting an offer. Aside from anything else, if they don't offer it to you, the feedback is only useful/credible if they don't know, otherwise you'll be wondering if they're just covering themselves. I think mat leave entitlement is usually transferable between depts, but not 100% sure on that.

Well I am sure you would. I am sure most people would but unfortunately that has a habit of backfiring on the pregnant woman. That is why it is a protected characteristic and that is why OP does not need to disclose it or discuss any more than a man awaiting to be a father would need to disclose it or convince you how keen they are to work after the baby is born.

I got a civil service job when pregnant and was 20 weeks when I started. I told them after I had accepted the job and it wasn't an issue at all. The Civil Service is a huge employer and if you really want this job then just go for it, they can manage this situation perfectly well and will have done it before. Nobody for even one moment made any negative noises about my pregnancy when I started, it absolutely should not put you off.

I know someone who was promoted while on maternity leave with still a while to go before return in Civil service.

I'd tell them

As it’s CS to CS it is unlikely to be an issue as pregnant women and women on Mat leave get jobs and promotions all the time.

You could mention it at the end of the interview when they ask any questions or wait until the job is offered.

Don't tell them. 🤞

Not CS, but my company would actively want you not to mention it. It's not something we would take into account but knowing would expose us to allegations we discriminated if you didn't get the job. I suspect CS would be the same.

Thanks everyone,

Based on answers here I think its best not to mention

I've just recruited. The best candidate disclosed she was pregnant after I offered her the job. So I have offered the next best candidate the opportunity to cover the mat leave (ie a fixed term post). It was not an issue at all. I'm still getting the best candidate in the long run.

Good luck!