What if you're pregnant before you get your contract?

[candypanda]

Hiya! I'm currently TTC and have been offered a job (unexpectedly!) in the NHS to start in autumn, however I don't know what to do now, I won't get my contract until September, then I'll start work in November.
I don't really want to stop TTCing as I have poor fertility due to lots of complications and it's only a matter of time before my gynae starts wanting to go down other routes and I want to try naturally.

However, if I were to get pregnant between now and then, where the hell do I stand? I was called and offered the job, waiting for HR to contact me now. Can they withdraw the offer? Just thinking with me not having a contract and all...

The lack of maternity pay won't be a problem, as I've been a student for years with no income and we are fine on hubby's pay for 9 months or so

I've been googling for days and come up with nothing helpful! Thanks so much ladies, I've seen some fab advice on this group the last few days xxx

 

[Pearls18]

If you fall pregnant you're not obligated to tell them until you're 25 weeks pregnant so even if you fell soon you'll be in the job before you have to tell them, but no legally they can not remove the job offer either way, the Equality Act 2010 protects you, I would still personally wait to have signed the paper work before telling them.

 

[candypanda]

thank you! I'm definitely going to wait until i've signed, I feel a bit guilty but I can't afford to lose the job! xxx

 

[Pearls18]

There's nothing to feel guilty about (but I understand!) we can't help that we have to be the ones to give birth (which society needs us to do) which is why we need protection in the work place and why the law is on our side x

 

[Dollybird]

I think as long as you have been in post for 3 months you will be entitled to maternity pay. Try not to worry too much. I feel in similar position just now. I want a new job (work in NHS) but I want to crack on with ttc (just had a MMC). I figure I might just crack on with both.. See which comes first. But I'm already in a post so don't feel that same pressure. hope it works out for u xx