Unemployed...due in October..do I tell new employers right at the start or wait until I'm in the job?

[pineapple29]

I'm in a bit of a moral dilemma and need advice!

I was dismissed suddenly from my current role a few weeks back and I am around 10 weeks pregnant currently.

I've started to apply for new jobs but I have a niggle in the back of my head!

Do I tell them from day 1 I'm pregnant (knowing the likelihood is I'll be rejected for another reason of course!) or do I wait until I'm actually in the job before I say anything?

I feel bad knowing that in 6 months time I'll be off on maternity and whilst I know they won't have to pay me for it, I can't help but feeling like I'm letting people down!

What do you think?

I think it depends on the companies you're applying to. Gov Dept- don't worry so much about telling them, small owner run business - be upfront. How the two cope with someone off on maternity is completely different. I know I will be in the minority but not telling a prospective employer you're already pregnant in my eyes is wrong. I know you don't legally have to say anything but I think it is disingenuous.

Mind you what do I know? I was asked if I planned on becoming pregnant any time soon at one of my interviews - it was legal at the time!!!

Thanks and I know what you mean about it feeling dishonest from day 1 which is why I am struggling.

Do you think it's fair until I wait for an offer and then tell them? So at least I feel like I got the job on my own merit and then I can say I'm pregnant and I'm happy to withdraw if they aren't happy?

I'm in the don't tell camp. If I was the recruiter, I wouldn't want to know.

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If you had a job and had applied for another just because, I'd say be upfront. As you're currently unemployed, put yourself and your baby first and keep it to yourself as long as possible (so 15 weeks before you're due).

I'd feel uncomfortable too but I think you should prioritize yourself and your family's financial security here. Don't tell.

Don't tell them. Another option would be to look at fixed tern contracts but I would understand wanting to find something permanent.

Absolutely don't tell. Just give them the legally required 15 weeks notice (unless of course there are H&S considerations as soon as you start, in which case tell them as soon as you start, not before)

I have been looking deliberately for 6-12 month fixed term contracts but they seem few and far between at the moment!

I have never been in a position as difficult as this one before. It's so awkward and frustrating!

Thanks for all your advice so far. Thanks

Mind you what do I know? I was asked if I planned on becoming pregnant any time soon at one of my interviews - it was legal at the time!!!

I was asked this too, for a bar job a few years ago, I naively said no, assuming that was a normal thing for him to ask.
Little did I know I was already a couple of weeks pregnant with dd.