Looking for work while pregnant

Hi there,

Just wondering if anyone has been in the position where they have had to look for work after they have just found out they are pregnant?

What did you do, when did you tell your employer?

Thanks.

I think there is something about disclosure in new contracts? And to be fair to employers unless it's a fixed term contract you'd probably need to tell them.

I haven't been quite in your situation, but I found out I was pregnant with DD about a week and a half after I'd started a new job! My "boss" at the time wasn't impressed, but I wasn't too thrilled with her actual reaction either... fortunately she was soon replaced by someone else who was much lovelier.

I don't know for sure if you'd have to disclose it at an interview, or once you've been hired - I know they can't discriminate against you because you're pregnant (or fire you once you've been hired because of being pg).

Good luck though!

Dept of Labour would be the best place to ask. I think each employer might be different. If you get a contract it would pay to have a really good look in there to see if you would need to disclose.

Hey thanks Clare...sorry to hear about what's happened with your job!!! It sucks.

I just spoke to the Department of Labour, I do not have to let them know that i'm pregnant.

I only have to give them 3 months written notice if i intend to take parental leave.

So thats great, i feel like a weight has been lifted of my shoulders.

Thanks for all your help ladies!!!!

Make sure you are prepared though for a less than enthusiastic response from your new boss once you tell them. The recruitment process can be a lengthy, costly excercise and to have your new person tell you they're pregnant (and then finding out they knew they were pregnant when they took the job) would irk any employer.

Temporary work may be your answer. Temps are always needed, especially this time of year, and you can then go back to work afterwards whenever you are ready. .

Spirals wrote: Make sure you are prepared though for a less than enthusiastic response from your new boss once you tell them. The recruitment process can be a lengthy, costly excercise and to have your new person tell you they're pregnant (and then finding out they knew they were pregnant when they took the job) would irk any employer. Temporary work may be your answer. Temps are always needed, especially this time of year, and you can then go back to work afterwards whenever you are ready. .

I agree .. the employment process is long, draining and costly!

I would be less than impressed if someone I hired then turned around to tell me they were pregnant. (And this is coming from someone who is pregnant!)

Im unsure how far along you are .. however most contracts these days have a probabtionary period of three months and it would be pretty easy for a employer to "dismiss" you at the end of that period and say that you were not up for the job (especially since they bought in the new 90 day probationary law) and you wouldnt have much of a comeback.

You never know .. who's to say an employer wouldnt mind? There have been on occassion where someone who is pregnant would have fit into our future plans for the company ..

I would definately say something .. and I definately wouldnt want to deal with the backlash when they found out later

Have you thought about temping then you can pick and choose when you work and it doesn't matter if you are pregnant or not?

Hi i was in your situation a few months back, i applyed for a part time job in nov, the lady called me and had a phone interview and asked me to come in for a proper interview. At the interview i did tell her i was 14w preg and she was happy i had been honest with her as she had problems in the past with employing people who told her afterwards they were preg and she said she was going to ask me if i was thinking of having more kids soon anyway. I got the job!!! i dont start until feb when the new school term starts, and have agreed to take one month off after bub arrives then go back.

Good luck!! i hope you do find a job soon :)

We've employed people who are pregnant, knowing they would only be with us for 4-5 months before taking leave. The latest one employed did la out her plans post-baby (3 months off, then returning full time) so we knew where we stood. There was always the risk it wouldn't work, but my theory is that if you show some flexibiility and understanding toward employees, then they will usually show that back.

I think that if you are able to say what your plan is re returning from leave, length of leave etc, then an employer would respond to that rather than a "I'm pregnant. full stop".