So
another dilemma which I'm hoping auntie b3ta can help with.

see replies.
( ascorbate, Mon 16 Feb 2009, 18:46, 11 replies, latest was 16 years ago)

Right
I've just been offered a fantastic job back in the UK - it's well paid, involves a lot less responsibility than I currently have, and I really want to do it. They want me to start in May.

HOWEVER, I've also just found out that I'm pregnant. It's due in september (and thus it's still early days just now - and I may still lose it), and although I'm not a 15 year old chav, I plan to keep it.

Obviously I have to tell my potential employees the situation - but my question is - how do you think I should present it to them?

I really want to take the job, and just have minimal (and unpaid) maternity leave (although mr vit C is quite happy for me to be unemployed and he'll support me and sprog), but I have no idea when I need to tell them, or how. Or what the likely outcome would be.

Any advice (other than 'man the fuck up') would be gratefully received.
( ascorbate, Mon 16 Feb 2009, 18:46, Reply)

UK sex discrimination laws are comprehensive
You should declare your pregnancy when you go for the interview.

It is illegal to discriminate on the grounds of pregnancy as it falls under the auspices of sex discrimination - you wouldn't be preggers if you weren't female. Practcially however, it's difficult. If you didn't get the role you'd have to prove you were as capable and qualified as the other applicants. If you won a case then the damages would be fruitful, but might make potential employers baulk at interviewing you.

Are you looking at public or private sector?
(Bicycle Repairman "you're also a bit of a wanker", Mon 16 Feb 2009, 18:54, Reply)

What PJM said basically
But even so, I'd apply for the job anyway, and then, the ball is in their hands, not yours.
( mistaspakkaman and the inedible shifting caterpillars, Mon 16 Feb 2009, 18:56, Reply)

Well
I've actually been offered the position - found out about the pregnancy subsequent to interview. And I'll definitely be informing them of the situation (I have a check up with doc tomorrow, so will let them know after that).

And it's in academia... a semi-postdoctoral position, for which I am one of maybe 5 people in the world who is really qualified to do the job.
( ascorbate, Mon 16 Feb 2009, 18:59, Reply)

In that case
it sounds like your position is secure.
( mistaspakkaman and the inedible shifting caterpillars, Mon 16 Feb 2009, 19:00, Reply)

Well..
...they've offered you the role - is the offer subject to any terms and conditions?

You'd be doing the right thing by saying "ooh by the way..." (congratulations by the way!) and coming clean. Shouldn't be a problem if they value your services enough.

Good luck!
(Bicycle Repairman "you're also a bit of a wanker", Mon 16 Feb 2009, 19:03, Reply)

thank you!
that's made me feel a bit better about it - we'll see how it goes now!
( ascorbate, Mon 16 Feb 2009, 19:06, Reply)

For what it's worth...
... Just ring up the head of department, and come out with it without beating around the bush. "You've offered me this job; I'd love to take it; I've just become a junior member of the pudding club. What do you advise?"

That way, it's up to him/ her to tell you to sod off. Which s/he won't/ can't do. But it means you're in control of the situation.
( Enzyme is powered by sunlight, Mon 16 Feb 2009, 19:54, Reply)

Congratulations!
I would do as suggested above. Be honest with them and see what they say.
( Mrs Entity is in hiding., Mon 16 Feb 2009, 20:20, Reply)

enzyme
junior pudding club? that is a wonderful phrase! made mr vit c spray his drink over the monitor when I was skyping him just now.

and again, thanks for the advice folks! much appreciated.
( ascorbate, Mon 16 Feb 2009, 22:33, Reply)

FALCOOOOOOOOON
PUUUUUUNCH.
(Himjim died a little more inside on, Mon 16 Feb 2009, 23:04, Reply)