Job hunting whilst on mat leave

[rlbjsf]

I am on mat leave from a workplace i've been with for 6 years. Due to being denied flexible working I cannot return.

At what stage of the recruitment process would you tell prospective employers about being on maternity leave or would you not disclose at all?

I can't see a downside to saying you're on maternity leave? Wouldn't you be saying in a covering letter, reevaluating my career direction after maternity leave, decide your organisation and this role is exactly what I'm looking for now?

Presumably you are clear about what date you are available for work from, what hours/ days you are looking for?

I don’t know why you wouldn’t tell them you’re on maternity leave? Is there a reason you think it would be a bad idea?

I've never mentioned it, can't see why it would be relevant.

So long as they're happy with the date you're available to work from, I wouldn't mention it, no. It's not relevant

Not at all. I just informed them of my available date. It came up in conversation during my interviews but other than that it was irrelvant.

Keep in mind that you're still subject to the same notice period when on maternity leave as if you weren't. So I had a 3 months notice period so I had to factor that it to my start date.

I avoided all mention when in this situation... some employers would be put off by it, wrongly, assuming multiple days off for child's sniffles or what not.

This is what I'm wanting to avoid. I'm struggling as I much prefer to be honest and open, but I don't want it to be at my detriment.

I can’t see the point hiding it really because if you are planning on negotiating for flexible working of some kind at a new work place, or if you need to leave for childcare etc, they are going to find out anyway so I’d just be open about it from the start. It makes no difference to the new company, they aren’t having to pay you the maternity pay, and if they are the kind of company who wouldn’t hire you due to you having a young child then they’re the same kind of employer who will just find a reason to let you go during your probation when they find out about your child anyway so I’d just try to reduce the time wasted and be upfront.

I wouldn’t say it as maternity leave, just the date you’re available to start from.

Are you aware that you may need to repay occupational maternity pay?

I was recently in this situation. I put within my application/ cover letters that I wanted to be employed part time (in your case, need flexible working). I was interviewed by 4 organisations and got 2 job offers. For one of these, I mentioned at interview about being on mat leave when we discussed notice periods. For the other, I mentioned during the initial screening interview.

I can understand the reluctance to mention it. However for me, I was looking for an employer who is supportive of my situation. I wouldn't want to work for a workplace who discriminates against women on maternity leave. I now find myself working for an exceptionally forward thinking organisation who fully supports working parents. I have found being open and honest has set me up to be fully supported throughout my induction. I also asked for details of maternity policies after receiving my offer (something I'm sure some women would worry about asking). My sister also asked this question during a recent successful interview process.

I hope this gives you confidence and you can find a new start somewhere where they support your flexible working request.