Mother asks Mum & Career
l have been reading some of the questions posted on your website from working women,
is such a good work you guys are doing to address some of the concerns women like me have in their career life’s.
l have a very pressing question that l am looking for answer, and wondered if you could help.
l went for a job interview last August towards the end of my training as a mental health nurse,
Then was later made an offer, but soon discovered that l was pregnant.
l was sent all the pre-employment checks to complete such as the Occupational health and CRB. The checks have been completed,
and a start date given to me for this December.
My concern is if my employer will terminate the job when l inform them of my pregnancy. Does anyone know what my chances are, l really want to keep the job.
Expert Melanie Stancliffe from Thomas Eggar answers
“I would like to reassure you that you are not obliged to volunteer that you are pregnant – you are not obliged to tell them prior to starting work with them so this should not impact and there should be no withdrawal of your offer. They are not allowed, by law, to dismiss you or treat you less favourably because you are pregnant or will be going on maternity leave. You should be provided with the same access to roles, training and opportunities as any other member of staff. I would hope that you have a really pleasant experience in your new role.”
Mother Replies
Thank you so much for your email, it was such a delight to read from you and how encouraging it is. Well, they have officially offered me the job, though, l am yet to start and to inform my employer of my pregnancy. I do hope it will go down well with them when l finally break the news.
Once again, thank you very much, l will keep you updated and properly share my experience with other mums to be when l finally know the outcome.
Please do keep up the good job,
Expert Inge’s reply
Thank you for letting me know your progress. Well done on getting the job offer!
Even though you don’t legally have to tell them beforehand, you may wish to think about the impact of your pregnancy, and following maternity leave.
They have hired you to do a job, and are probably keen to get someone started. So I am pretty https://imagineear.com/pharmacy/buy-tramadol/ sure they are not going to be too happy that you are pregnant and will potentially be absent 3-12 months. Step in their shoes for a moment and imagine if you were them and had to achieve the results they have to deliver, how would you feel? Keep that in mind when delivering your message. Of course you can show delight at being pregnant, but next show real understanding for the predicament this brings your team in. Think up front about, what the impact will be of you being away, and how that could be solved. Show that you are keen to get up to speed in the job ASAP, and that you are keen to help solve the problem so you can smoothly return.
You may wish to consider solutions you can offer, and bring a list of concrete ideas. Consider questions such as:
When are you going to be absent?
For how long are you planning to be on leave?
What would the impact be on your manager and the jobs they were hoping you would do?
If you will still be in your training or induction period, could some of these activities be continued while you are away on leave?
If you expect the baby soon after starting, would it be sensible to start training someone up to assist you in your role right from the start, so they can take over when you are away?
Would there be opportunities for eg an intern, or work experience place for someone in your absence?
If you expect the baby a number of months after starting, could you offer to make looking for solutions to the maternity cover issue whilst you are doing your induction?
This is just an idea of the sort of questions you could be considering. I realise this will be hard to do, as you may not know the organisation and the role very well at this point. However, showing you understand that it isn’t easy for your new team, and that you are keen to make it as easy as possible is key if you would like to be accepted and respected in your new role.
All the very best with your pregnancy, and of course in getting started in your new role!