New job on Monday!

[dreamer_x]

So I'm 7 weeks pregnant and starting a new job on Monday and I don't know when to tell them! I'm on a 3 month trial period so I'm worried that they could get rid of me in the first 3 months because I'm pregnant! I don't quite know what to do, I have an appointment at the antenatal clinic on 24th at 3pm which is during my working hours so I don't know how to get around that either but I don't want to give them an excuse to get rid of me!

Any advice? Quite worried about it!

x

 

[xjesx]

I am not sure how it works in the UK, but in Canada they cannot fire you because you are pregnant. That is not to say a boss wouldn't find a different reason.

In Ontario, Canada from what I know, expectant moms are only required to give 30 days notice from the day that will be their last.

If its similar in the UK and you aren't showing maybe you could wait out your 3 month probation and tell your boss then. That way if they haven't fired you during your probation period they dont leave themselves with a reason to fire you.

 

[dreamer_x]

I know that they can't fire you for being pregnant, but my worry is that they would find a reason to fire me if I told them before my trial was over.
I'm going to look it up - I don't know how much notice I have to give them. Just don't want to end up unemployed, especially since we're having to look at getting our own house due to me being pregnant, we need 2 incomes!

 

[AlwaysDreamin]

In the uk, by law you only have to inform your boss 15 weeks before you are due to give birth.
So it's up to you if you want to keep it to yourself (and if you can hide your bump )

If I was reliant on keeping the job then I would keep it quiet for the 3 month trial period I guess. But it's totally up to yourself.
It would be completely wrong of them to not hire you because you are pregnant, it's discrimination. But sadly they seem to find ways round it.

I hope everything goes well in your new job and that you manage to find a way that suits you best.
Make sure you look after yourself though, a job can always be replaced, the health of you and your baby cannot. Best of luck to you xx

 

[dreamer_x]

I looked it up and read that about 15 weeks. I also read that they have to give you paid time off for antenatal classes? I wouldn't want to tell them until the 3 month trial period was over, but I've got an antenatal class on 24th June that I'd have to tell them about.

I'm looking at other jobs, that might be happier about me being pregnant. Like you said, they can't not hire me/fire me because I'm pregnant, but they can find other ways around it to cover their back. They could easily claim that I wasn't performing to their standards and I wouldn't be able to get evidence to argue it.

Thank you

 

[mrsdean2009]

Pregnant employees are protected by laws but if it were me I'd wait to tell them till the 3 month trial is up, unless its a job where you'd be doing and manual handling?

Perhaps tell them on Monday that you have a hospital appointment or that your OH does and he has to have someone with him to drive him home after a procedure? Not advocating lying to an employer but needs must sometimes.

 

[willowblossom]

Hiya, its so difficult i know. but if you do decide to tell them, there are so many laws protecting pregnant women, even if you were not right for the job (not saying are aren't lol!) i think they wouldn't let you go as they would be worried about any legal action you could take.
I was a temp worker for an agency during my first pregnancy doing a very physical job. even when they laid of most of the workers as there wasn't much work, they kept me on. i think they only did it because i was pregnant and wanted to avoid any legal action.
good luck with you new job!!

 

[dreamer_x]

Not doing any manual handling, going to be sat at a desk all day so I'm fine in that respect.

Hmm yeah I just don't want to get spun into a web of lies :/ I just don't know, too much to think about, can't decide which way to go!

 

[kirbyland1986]

when i was pregnant with noah i had to book antenatal classes as holiday.

also if it was me i wouldnt be happy not to tell them as you want to start on good side (but can see what you saying also)

 

[mrsdean2009]

It's a tough one isn't it. Permanent pregnant employees are definitely protected but don't know where those in a probationary/trial period stand (will ask OH when he gets home as he does HR at work)

I know he has said they don't have to give reasons for not proceeding with employment within the trial period so your new employer could just say its not working out or they no longer need you.

I was made redundant when I was pregnant and I went to a few interviews (clearly pregnant) and didn't get any of the jobs. Guess no one wanted to employee me seeing as I'd be leaving within a few months even though they shouldn't have discriminated.

I'm guessing this wont be your only appointment during your trial either what with booking appointments and scans.

Sorry for not being more help x