So worried about telling work!

[Jane211980]

Hi,

I have worked for the same employer for nearly 2 years now. I was promoted in November to sales manager and they are just about to order me a company car.

My general sales manager is pregnant and I think work hoped I would help them look after the floor while she is on ML. Well I have just found out I am about 8 weeks pregnant, not planned. I feel very guilty about the whole thing as I am only about 4 weeks behind the general sales manager.

What should I do? Also do I have to tell them straight away? Could I get in trouble accepting a company car knowing I'm pregnant?

Any advise would be appreciated.

:-)

You can't be discriminated against for being pregnant. You are entitled to the same benefits during Ordinary Maternity Leave so could keep the car as you are still an employee although if you could receive a cash alternative then you may find that more beneficial as it gets taken into account as earnings when calculating your maternity pay. If it is deemed merely a "tool of trade" then there may be more of a debate as to whether you can keep it to use while on ML.

You don't legally have to tell them until you give notice of taking Maternity Leave although in practice it would be hard to disguise for that long if you work with others and better morally to allow plenty of time to recruit cover and do a handover. Most wouldn't tell before 12 weeks (unless there is a medical or H and S issue) and wait until they need to request time off for appointments before doing so.