Starting new job when already PG

[pygmyangel]

Hi everyone, new to MN and thought this would be the best place to ask about this. I've just been offered a new P/T job but i'm about 6&1/2 wks PG. The job was offered on the basis of satisfactory medical clearance - can they decide not to offer the job if they find out?
I really need this job and don't know if I should tell them or not. I was under the impression they wern't allowed to ask but the job is based in an NHS lab so there may be exeptions.

[dejags]

They cannot discriminate against you on the basis of your pregnancy.

There is no legal requirement for you to tell them.

I was recently offered a very good job. Once the offer had been made (but not yet in writing) I disclosed that I was 12 weeks pregnant. They immediately rescinded the offer.

I had to threaten legal action but I was very soon presented with a written offer. The company knew they were in the wrong.

All of this in South Africa, which is quite a way behind the UK on employee rights.

[DarrellRivers]

I applied for a job in writing, when I didn't know i was pregannt, interviewed for the job whilst pregnant and then accepted the job and didn't tell them I was pregnant until I had started becuase more difficult to have unfair things happen to you once you are actually emplyed by them.I wouldn't let anyone know until as late as possible
Good luck and it is worrying when it is happening but it does settle

[detoxdiva]

No, they are not allowed to ask and can't discriminate against you because of your pregnancy - they risk a claim for sex discrimination if they do.

[chocolatekimmy]

Just to echo what the others have said. They can't withdraw the offer on the basis that you are pregnant, or dismiss you for the same reason. That would be sex discrimination.

[BikeBug]

Agree that they can't discriminate on the basis of pregnancy. I started my job when about 6-8 weeks pregnant (having been interviewed 6 months previously - long story!). Employers were fine, but I was not entitled to any maternity pay from them, or to AML, which you may also be affected by if you're not moving from another NHS post...

[chocolatekimmy]

new rules coming in for babies due on or after 1st April 2007. Full info on DTI website

[tonton]

I've done this twice (sort of!). Once they knew I waas just pregnant but wanted me anyway. Nice people!
2nd time it was a 6 month contract & I told them 2 weeks in that I was about 2 months pregant. It was fine again.
You are legally fine.
In your cicrcumstances you will just get maternity allowance which is about £100 a week for about 6 months rather than the normal 90% of your pay for a few weeks.
Good luck!