Pregnant and looking for work
We were recently contacted by a pregnant lady who is looking for a job to improve her financial situation. However, she had the impression that because she was pregnant, she couldn’t apply for jobs. This simply isn’t true.
If you are considering making a job application while pregnant, you will have to remember that you could still lose out if placed against applicants who aren’t pregnant. However, as long as you demonstrate WHY they should recruit you and prove that you’re well prepared for the upcoming changes in your life then you’ll still stand a chance!
An obvious approach to your job search would be to apply within companies that adopt a ‘family friendly’ philosophy. To find out which companies are like this, try networking with other Mums. You could also join online discussion forums, such as iVillage.
If you’re at the early stages of pregnancy – particularly within the first 3 months, then there is simply no reason to tell mention anything to a potential employer. Many people do not make their pregnancy public until after this period, so why would you want to mention it to a stranger?
Frequently asked questions:
I got a job in October (shortly before finding out I was pregnant) and have just ‘officially’ announced my pregnancy to my friends and family. I will now have to tell my boss but am worried I can lose my job as I’ve only been here a couple of months. Help!
Firstly, try not to stress out about this – this should, and hopefully is, a happy time for you and your partner. This, happy, excited approach is exactly how you should approach your boss – you have absolutely nothing to worry about.
I applied for a job, the interview seemed to be going well and then I mentioned I was pregnant. The interview finished 5 minutes later and I never heard anything after. I am convinced it was because I mentioned my pregnancy. What can I do?
Anyone who declines your application for employment as a direct result of your pregnancy is guilty of discrimination. However, if is difficult, and often impossible to prove this. In addition, the added stress of trying to prove this is obviously something you can do without. Unless you have specific evidence, I would opt against taking this further.
By law, do I have to tell a potential employer about my pregnancy?
No, you’re not. However, many people feel more comfortable by being completely open about this to prevent any potential future worries.
When is the best time to tell my Manager that I am pregnant?
There is no specific ‘rule’ that says when you should tell the good news to your Manager. This is entirely down to you and when you feel most comfortable. Some women find it is best not to leave it too long due to the time needed off work for Doctors and hospital appointments.
What maternity pay am I entitled to?
Your statutory rights are, the right to:
- take time off work for antenatal care
- receive maternity pay (dependent on terms in your contract)
- take at least 18 weeks maternity leave (often up to around 40 weeks)
For detailed information, see Directgov.co.uk
I have been discriminated against for being pregnant. What can I do?
If you’ve been unfairly dismissed due to pregnancy you may be entitled to compensation. However, for more detailed information, contact a Solicitor.
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Selina said,
January 5, 2008 @ 10:14 pm
thanks for this information – has put my mind to rest on a number of issues!
Sharon said,
June 12, 2008 @ 11:39 am
Hi there, i have just found out i am pregnant and really pleased as we have been trying for 2 years, the problem is i have just started work, well 3 days infact and i am a career in an old peoples home. Do you think i will be dismissed as i am on a 6 month probation period.
Anonymous said,
June 12, 2008 @ 5:51 pm
Sharon – how many months pregnant are you? There’s no rule to say that you HAVE to tell your employer until you’re completely ready and / or it becomes obvious.
This could mean that by this time, you’ll be 3 / 4 months into your probationary period (or later). If you’re a good employee, I can’t see any reason why you need to worry.
stacey said,
June 14, 2008 @ 5:15 pm
hi i am 10 weeks pregnant, i have recently moved to a new area and am seeking work, i went for an interview last week for a new job, 2 days later i was contacted by the company who told me they would like to offer me the position. At the interview i did not tell them i was pregnant due to the fact its still early days. After worrying about when I was going to tell them i decided to phone them back the same day that they contacted me to tell them that i was pregnant, he has now said that he has to think about wether he still wants to employ me and will let me know next week if i still have the job. Is he aloud to refuse me the position?
The CV Store said,
June 14, 2008 @ 5:35 pm
Stacey – we are no experts in employment law; however, this doesn’t sound right and could be classed as discrimination as the Company had already offered you the job. There is no legal requirement for you to mention anything (until later in the pregnancy) and you had a good reason for not mention it at the interview due to it being so early.
You may want to consider asking someone who is more qualified in this area, such as a Solicitor. Also, search on Google for ‘employment law, UK’ and you should find some sites that may have some useful contacts.
Sorry we couldn’t help more but please feel free to keep us posted on this as there may be other women in a similar situation.
Wendy said,
August 19, 2008 @ 1:42 pm
Hi there
i started a new job and within 2 months of taking the post i found out i was pregnant also at this time my workplace had started to pay people off. i was told that i was not going to be paid off, a few weeks later i told them that i was pregnant, a few days after this i was told that my job was safe until june 2008 and then on the 20th of june i was paid off. i was 4 months pregnant. i , as a result was not entitled to maternity pay. I am now looking very hard for a job and on each application form i am putting on it that i am pregnant as i am showing alot at nearly 7 months. i have only got one reply back from one prospective employer to say that they could not process my application at this time but do not hesitate to apply for further posts in the future. i have read on the internet that pregnant women are not discriminated against and find this to be completely untrue. I have even tried to get onto a training course run by the government and was turned down on this also as i am in advanced stages of pregnancy and may not be able to take on the course with new baby in tow. i just feel competely discriminated against.
The CV Store said,
August 21, 2008 @ 11:25 am
Hi Wendy,
Sorry to hear this! We hear of similar stories all the time, however, it is virtually impossible to actually prove the someone has discriminated against you for being pregnant, even if this is the case.
Joanna said,
September 11, 2008 @ 2:49 pm
Thank you for your very simple but effective advice. I am still early in my pregnany and can be confident on how to deal with my future employer when tyhe time is right.However i do have one query i am with an agency do i have to tell the agency or is that the same as above?
vera said,
September 17, 2008 @ 9:23 pm
I am a confuse of what to do,i am almost 7 month pregnant ,i have had a job intervieuw,but did not mention about my pregnancy .Do you think i am being fair ?
I really do need this job..
Thanks,
vera
Anonymous said,
October 9, 2008 @ 7:25 pm
Hi,
I have a similar question. I had cleared an interview and just waiting for a final discussion. I have not yet told them that I am pregnant. Its my 7th month.
Do I need to tell them before I join ? Or, I can tell this couple weeks after joining ?
I really need to grab this job, will their decision change?
Regards,
Yogini
carlie said,
November 6, 2008 @ 5:51 pm
I am 32weeks pregnant i had only worked for this company for 3months when i found out, iv been in hospital 3times since the start for 5days or more and iv had problems with work all the way through my pregnancy iv not been paid proply, i have asked for the forms i need and also my matb1 form back so i can apply for maternity allowence and they said there not giving it me had a nasty call saying if it wasnt for law he would not have paid me anything at all while iv been ill he thinks im lieing about my synthsis pubis dysfunction even tho i have a sicknote and crutches to help me walk i cant even turn over in bed on my own i cant dress myself i cant use the toilet on my own and he is making me feel stupid like im a lier when im not at all. he said he only does things for his employees that actully bother working! i cant affored to live on sick pay any longer but with out my matb1 form back i cant apply for maternity allownce and i cant go back to work as i cant walk! what can i do?
Julie Montijo said,
August 11, 2009 @ 4:23 pm
I am 21 weeks pregnant.. Do you think i can still apply for work?? I never had a good education! but i am willing to work anywere to take the pressure of my husband.. I am getting jobseekers money, and have been told today that my money will stop at 29 weeks pregnant, we can not claim income support as my husband is woking more than 16 hours per week…. so how to we live and pay for our rent?? i have a 3 and half year old son.. please give me some advise… thanks
claire m said,
April 10, 2010 @ 5:36 pm
hi. I have jst started a new job 2 weeks ago. I am on probration for 6 months and yest i have found out that i am 6 weeks pregnant. I am now really worried that i am going to be sacked because of this. I would really appreciate some advise. Thank you