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!

I mentioned it in mine and they still offered me the job which I was really grateful for. I mentioned it at the end after the questions were asked and I had asked mine.

This actually happened to me - I was the candidate who came second and was offered the role as a temporary maternity cover. It worked out great as I then moved on to another project when she came back from maternity leave and from that I got my substantive promotion. Win win.

OP I wouldn’t mention it at interview, but do tell them as soon as possible if they offer it to you.

This is also a good point!

And conversely - any employer who intentionally doesn't offer someone a job because they're pregnant is discriminatory!

@MustardYellow go for the interview, the time to bring it up if it's not already mentioned would be when discussing start date.

Hi all,

Just thought I'd update as I got some really helpful advice from this thread.

I was offered the job and confirmed over the phone that I was interested. I'll wait for the official offer letter from HR and will reply to that disclosing my pregnancy and discussing whether my maternity leave entitlement will be transferable from my current department. My main concern is that being between departments will mean that I don't receive maternity pay from either one, in which case I'll reject the offer.

Lots to think about over the weekend and thanks again for the great advice!

@MustardYellow if you move between departments it is treated as continuous service and you will get SMP and OMP provided you meet the criteria.

If your HR suggests otherwise they should contact Cabinet Office who can confirm.

Should have also said congratulations.

Thanks! @Princessglittery