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Original poster

Found out I'm pregnant during interview process

16 replies

Nelly1023 · 06/02/2023 12:18

I'm currently through to the last stage of interviews for a job I really want. It's about 10k more than I earn now and I'm excited about the role.

I applied a few months ago,and I've only recently found out I'm pregnant - 6 weeks.

Second baby so I know I don't have to tell employer until a certain time, but AIBU continuing to try and get this job?

I'm so unhappy in my current role and with the cost of living etc this new job would be huge for my family.

Obviously I'll have to find out if I qualify for maternity leave / pay before I make a decision.

OP posts:
Original poster
Nelly1023 · 06/02/2023 12:22

I should add - been TTC for a long time and had some complications so I just wasn't expecting this right now!

New company seems to be very family friendly but I'm just worried how it will look etc.

OP posts:
jacult · 06/02/2023 12:24

I would just go for it. Better to be happy. I don’t want to sound negative, but this happened to me and my pregnancy turned out to be ectopic and would have been gutted if I hadn’t made the switch.

roses2 · 06/02/2023 12:25

It depends how important maternity pay is for you - likely you'll only receive SMP if you join whilst pregnant. Can you afford this?

Luckydog7 · 06/02/2023 12:28

My Sister was visibly pregnant, over 4 month pregnant when she interviewed for her current role. Either they didn't notice or didn't mention it. any employer legally can't/shouldn't let pregnancy change if they hire or not so no don't mention it.

Oh and you need to tell them 15 weeks before due date :) you have some time.

LadyDanburysHat · 06/02/2023 12:28

Congratulations. You won't receive SMP but will probably be able to claim Maternity Allowance which is the same amount as SMP.

buckingmad · 06/02/2023 12:44

LadyDanburysHat · 06/02/2023 12:28

Congratulations. You won't receive SMP but will probably be able to claim Maternity Allowance which is the same amount as SMP.

I don't think you get the first 6 weeks at 90% pay though, so overall a bit less than maternity allowance?

I'm in the same boat as you OP. I won't qualify for any additional mat pay but I will get a pay rise anyway so for the months I'm still working in the new role I will just put more money away.

TreadSoftlyOnMyDreams · 06/02/2023 12:49

I had this too. Had to tell them I was 14 weeks pregnant in my first week. Had I started earlier I'd have qualified for enhanced pay but as it was it was maternity allowance only which meant a much shorter may leave than I'd hoped for the second time around.

I think a planned short mat leave helped with the news that I would be taking time off so soon but it definitely did not set a positive tone with my new manager so you need to be prepared for that. He was a bit of a dick though.

Best of luck with the interviews

Original poster
Nelly1023 · 06/02/2023 12:52

Thanks everyone - I hadn't quite understood about SMP but you're all right I wouldn't qualify - I need to find out the company maternity policy and then I guess I have a lot to think about!

Talk about timing 🥲

But of course I haven't even got the job yet so will see how it all pans out!

OP posts:
CointreauVersial · 06/02/2023 12:54

This happened to me....I took the job. I'd been made redundant from my previous job, though, so didn't feel I had much choice.

Didn't qualify for SMP, though, and it turned out to be the worst job ever, so I never went back.

good96 · 07/02/2023 13:42

You’re usually eligible for maternity pay if you’ve worked 26 weeks for your employer prior to going on maternity. Given that you will most likely start that job in the coming weeks if successful then you will be fine.

MajorCarolDanvers · 07/02/2023 13:54

You will likely qualify for maternity allowance which is the same as SMP minus the 6 weeks of 90% salary.

PatriciaHolm · 07/02/2023 14:01

good96 · 07/02/2023 13:42

You’re usually eligible for maternity pay if you’ve worked 26 weeks for your employer prior to going on maternity. Given that you will most likely start that job in the coming weeks if successful then you will be fine.

No, it's 26 weeks before "the qualifying week" which is the 15th week before due date. So you need to start the job 41 weeks, at least, before the due date - Essentially you have to fall pregnant after you start a new job to qualify.

oywiththepoodlesalreadyy · 07/02/2023 14:20

I did this, felt really bad about it but it's all worked out in the end. I just never told them I knew already and acted like I'd just found out a couple of weeks later. (I only found out after accepting new job and handing notice in on old job)

Didn't qualify for their maternity policy but not maternity allowance which is exactly the same as SMP. Took 9 months off, have now been promoted almost 4 years later.

Original poster
Nelly1023 · 09/02/2023 11:42

Just wanted to do an update -

I have my final interview next week, but I recently found out from another employee that they're maternity policy is amazing and there is no length of service requirement to be eligible!

Hopefully it all works out 🤞🏻🤞🏻

Thanks for all the replies

OP posts:
Original poster
Nelly1023 · 09/02/2023 11:42

Nelly1023 · 09/02/2023 11:42

Just wanted to do an update -

I have my final interview next week, but I recently found out from another employee that they're maternity policy is amazing and there is no length of service requirement to be eligible!

Hopefully it all works out 🤞🏻🤞🏻

Thanks for all the replies

**their 🙃

OP posts:
LadyDanburysHat · 09/02/2023 12:22

Best of luck 🍀

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