ttc - job hunting - what would you do?

[redundant]

hello, i have been made redundant (appealing the decision but don't hold out much/any hope). I have a 3 month notice period but was told today they want me to go next Fri and they are PILON .

I now don't know what to do financially - we've been ttc and I don't think in all good faith I can look for another permanent job knowing I am likely to be pregnant a month or two (hopefully) after starting. This is even more so because last time I was really really sick during the whole pregnancy and only got through it because it was a job I could do standing on my head and by leaning heavily on very kind colleagues.

However, there is every chance that I won't qualify for Maternity Allowance either, unless I do get pregnant very quickly, and even then I am thinking this rule about £30 averaged over any 13 weeks might scupper that (if 12 of the weeks I haven't worked, I wouldn't qualify).

What would you do? I am considering signing on for Job Seekers allowance but don't even know if I should do that, or if I do, if I should tell them I'm only looking for temp work and why. Likewise with recruitment agencies.

Very difficult being a woman sometimes, you have to tell the world and his wife about things you'd rather they didn't know!

anyone been in a similar situation?

Hi

I totally understand your dilema, however you are under no obligation to disclose whether or not you are expecting at interview - also, the interviewer shouldn't ask any questions about family etc....

Have you looked on sites such as workingmums and capability jane? Lots of flexible work availble on those which might help....

Good luck!

I'd start looking for another job. Don't and you won't conceive. Do and you'll be preggers.

I would however limit my searches to larger companies Tesco, Asda, Glaxo Smith etc. As at least they can cope with it not some small 4 person company that it would likely destroy. Also I know Tesco has some pretty tasty maternity benefits.

You should just apply for permanent roles, you aren't pregnant and whether or not you're starting to try is really no business of any potential employer. When you are pregnant, it's something that they need to deal with and is a risk they would run with any employee.

Also, it's not unusual for it to take 9months+ to conceive, had you been working in a permanent role for that time you would become entitled to maternity benefits etc.

Agree that going for a larger employer would be a good thing if appropriate and your feeling a bit guilty.

Tesco only has a v.good mat policy for senior non-store based staff I though?

Not sure about store staff but when I worked at head office it seemed like everyone was pregnant.