do I tell prospective employer i'm on mat leave

[stripemarshmallow]

a job has come up that would be perfect for me, better location, better hours, I think I stand a good chance of getting it however I am currently on maternity leave and not due to return to work util end sept!
Do I tell them i'm on maternity? do I pretend my notice period is actually 6 months (its 3) or do I tell them its 3 months and tell them i'm on mat leave if I get an offer?
I know you dont have to disclose that you are on mat leave but something about it feels dishonest, equally I wouldn't want to not get the role because I am on maternity leave, although they cant technically discriminate they can reject me and dress it up as a different reason...

I would be honest and tell them. It’s normal for women to look for new jobs on mat leave

I would tell them. Honesty is the best policy. And if they won’t wait then it wasn’t meant to be. Also, bear in mind if you received any maternity pay from your current employer and leave, you might need to pay some of it back.

I didn't when I was in this situation. Role involved a lot of travel, not a problem as partner was a sahd but I just didn't want them making assumptions.

The less they know the less they can discriminate

I wouldn’t disclose until I’d received an offer due to risk of discrimination. They might withdraw the offer if you’re unwilling to start within a certain time.

Could you not go back to work earlier possibly?
Personally, I'd wait until they offered me the job ... it should not affect their decision.

How can you pretend your notice period is six months? That would flag for me unless you are wrapping up a research project.

thanks for help so far, bit of a mixed bag!
I dont get any enhanced mat pay so this wouldnt be an issue.
6 month notice period is unusual but not unheard of in my industry.
I dont really want to go back any sooner, I am also breastfeeding my baby still and I would need the 30 hours free childcare which starts in september so I dont feasibly think I could start earlier...

Maximise your chance to get the role

I would not say anything about the Mat leave
And have you worked out a cost if you gave your notice tomorrow?

@IDontHateRainbows did you ever tell them? did the end of your mat leave line up with your notice? my role would also involve travel which is why I am on the fence with how to proceed

Small biz or larger one? If it was a very small business I'd tell them but a big business would probably be fine!

I ended my mat leave slightly early so I didn't tell them. I learned the hard way not to mention I had children in these kinds of roles involving lots of travel and overnight stays.

Six months notice is a lot, are you very senior?

You need to tell them if you want to start later than your notice period, or can you not start earlier? If an employer is advertising for a position they probably need someone now

I wouldn't tell them but I also wouldn't expect anyone to wait 6 months to fill a job.

During the interview process Just tell them
"I'll be available to start in September."
If they say could you do sooner, say no.
If 6 months is normal for your industry they won't question it.
Once they've offered they'll then find it hard to retract if they are willing to wait for you. But you should tell them. I think your HR reference may say you're on mat leave anyway? (Not sure) also
I'd be miffed if I hired someone under these circumstances. Maternity returners often need a LOT of support. You'll be in an out of nursery with coughs and colds, it takes a while to adjust, and get back into the work mindset. As a hiring manager I would want to ensure support is in place and I'd feel the relationship didn't start at a level of honesty.