APPRENTICE star and West Ham United vice-chair Karren Brady answers your careers questions.
Here, Karren gives advice to a reader who has just been offered her dream job but has found out she’s pregnant.
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Q) have just accepted a pretty senior role at a firm I’ve wanted to be part of for a while.
However, since receiving the offer, I’ve discovered I’m pregnant – we weren’t trying for a baby, but we’d like to progress with the pregnancy.
My question is, what’s the right next step – do I tell my new employer up front?
Or maybe I should stay at my current job in order to get Statutory Maternity Pay?
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I’m trying to deal with the physical, mental and financial changes to my life this pregnancy is going to bring, and I can’t decide the best way to move forward.
Help!
Gracie, via email
A: Congratulations on your pregnancy, and also on your new role!
It’s completely understandable to feel uncertain about how to navigate this situation.
When it comes to telling your new employer, remember that your pregnancy is a personal matter.
Legally, you’re not required to tell your new employer until 15 weeks before your due date, but being open early on can build trust, especially in a senior role.
When you do, focus on expressing your excitement for the role and your commitment to contributing, while also being transparent about your maternity leave plans.
As for staying in your current job to qualify for Statutory Maternity Pay (SMP), that’s a valid option if you’ve been there long enough and need the financial security.
You likely won’t qualify for SMP from the new employer, but you may qualify for Maternity Allowance.
Visit Gov.uk for details, and consider talking to HR or a financial adviser.
Ultimately, weigh the long-term benefits of the new role against the shorter-term needs of your pregnancy.
This is an exciting time, so try not to let work stress overshadow it.
Good luck!
- Got a careers question for Karren? Email bossingit@fabulousmag.co.uk.
