New job and pregnancy

[FluffyCloud]

I am just waiting to start my new job, they are due to tell me my start date in the next few days.

Yesterday I just found out I am pregnant and worried about what to do. Do I tell them right away? There is a 6 month probation and I am worried they will not give me a permanant contract if they know I will be on maternity leave in a few months. Are they in their right to do this? Where can I find information about this?

Many thanks in advance

[Twenty20]

From a personal point of view I'd perhaps wait a few months and then tell them. It's probably better than going in on day one and announcing that you're pregnant.

Legally, they can't do anything unless you prove to be unsuitable in the job and even then they'd be on a bit difficult ground and have to have a water tight case.

Don't expect them to be too pleased though.

[Mamjet]

Try putting yourself in their position. They were obviously expecting to hire someone that could do the job advertised. Not someone who hasn't got the sense to take contraceptives.
Personally I'd sack you for dishonesty, and having yo-yo knickers.

[andrea81]

Mamjet

Do you pick posts at random or do you target those to abuse? Think you're out of order and need to have a long hard look at youself!

FluffyCloud

Personally, I think the organisation would appreciate your honesty now. I would ask to speak to HR or somone in that role and have an open conversation. It is against the law for them to sack you or not allow you to gain your full status just because you are pregnant. If you can do the job, then you will be ok!

But on a sceptical view, I would make note of any conversations or things staff say that might make you feel like you are being delt with unfairly, just in case they try making you leave! Doubt it though, most employers know the law!

Congrats chick x x x

[Mamjet]

I tend to target dishonest people seeking justification for their actions.

[pink-kittens]

You do like to make assumptions, don;t you Mamjet? you are thoroughly rude and totally ignorant to other people and how they be feeling. People post here for help not to receive your vitriol. If you can't say anything nice say nothing at all

Fluffycloud, you have no legal obligation to tell them but it would be manners to do so.
Your best bet for proper information would be ACAS - you will not qualify for Statutory Maternity Pay but may be able to get Maternity Allowance from the government (DSS)

[Mamjet]

Nice advice Pink Kitten. Although you're making a huge assumption that she has 'manners'.
From what I've heard so far, I doubt it. But then, you're not an employer faced with a pregnant employee.

[andrea81]

Mamjet

So would you rather all women who plan to have children just not ever to get a job! Would you rather all women to just live off benefit from word go (just in case they want to start a family!)

[squarebear]

Although Mamjet puts it harsher than I would. I can see his point here. If I were a boss and someone I recently employed said they couldn't do the job, I would be pretty pi55ed off too.

[Mamjet]

No ,why do you ask? Are you sick of discussing the matter in hand?

[FluffyCloud]

Twenty20, Andrea81 and pink-kittens - many thanks for your answers. I know I should tell them from the off. Im just worried they might make up their mind before they see how great I am at the job and how much I want it!

Squarebear, I do see your point. I can do the job and do want the job but will just need to take maternity leave. Not the best situation for them, I agree. But as Andrea81 says, women can't just not get jobs.

Not the best time for these 2 events to happen at the same time but I guess I'll have to deal with it!

[Mamjet]

You should stop drinking. Try and settle down for the sake of the baby.

[andrea81]

Mamjet

Not at all, but if you have such views on this, what do you suggest women do?

Why do you feel that you have the right to make such horrible remarks! you can have your views (thats why this forum is for) but not to make someone feel cr@p for asking a question!

[Mamjet]

She should be thankful. I believe in Tough Love sometimes its the only way to get through to some people. Ive actually been thanked many times for my advice.

[josie48]

mamjet, You sound exactly like another character on AB who delights in abusing others,,Hmmmm.

[Mamjet]

yes, obviously that's me as well. spot on.

[josie48]

You give yourself away wordwise.

[tigwig]

who is the other person?

[abstibus]

The law on this-

http://www.eoc-law.org.uk/Default.aspx?page=28 20#1346

[thebrainy123]

you are not required to tell your employer until 15 weeks before baby due i think,.

do not tell them until you have been employed for 26 consecutive weeks 15 weeks before the birth of the baby

in order to get smp you must be employed for 26 weeks into 15 weeks before the baby due date

hope this helps

[TEAK36]

If Fluffy Cloud is on a 6 month probation period, then surely her employers can simply get rid of her after the 6 months, without having to explain themselves. I am not saying I agree with taking this route, but I would think it would be very easy for an employer to get rid of someone after an agreed probation period.