Hi everyone!
This is my first posting! I literally did a test about an hour ago and found out I am pregnant! We only got married in August and didnt' think it would happen this quickly, so it is a big (but happy!) suprise! I haven't even told my husband yet. I don't know what to do. He was made redundant from his job a month ago. He is trying to find a job abroad as the property market (he works in property) is so bad in the UK at the moment. He went off to Hong Kong and Dubai yesterday. So I'm all on my own in London and dont' know who to speak to - I've sent him an email asking to call ASAP, but with the time difference it won't be for a while.
I also was made redundant a week ago, but they're employing me until Christmas. I'm looking for a new job, regardless if we go abroad or not. I've pretty much been offered a job - but now I don't know what to do? Do I tell them or not? What about maternity pay?
Of course it's wonderful and I know my husband will be really happy, but the timing couldn't be worse. I feel really alone, I just want to share this with him.
Also, I didn't know I was pregnant, and have been drinking, occasionally smoking (only a social smoker). I will stop this all now, but how bad is it in your first couple of weeks to do this? Am very concerned about it.
Thanks for reading this long winded first post!
xxxxx

Hello and welcome to the forums. Congratulations on your pregnancy, wonderful news.

Lots of people smoke and drink before realising they're pregnant, as long as you stop now, there won't be any harm done - our bodies are very good at processing toxins.

Your job: You don't have to tell new employers you're pregnant. We don't legally have to tell our work until we're about 25 wks pregnant, but as you'll need time off for appts, you'll probably want to tell them sooner than that.
A friend of mine was offered a job, then found out she was pregnant. She called them to thank them for the offer, but decline because she's expecting. They wanted to take her, anyway, and said they'd make sure she got full maternity pay benefits. Not everyone's like that, though, so if I were you, I'd wait until you were actually there before announcing.
As for money, in order to qualify for Stat Mat Pay, you have to be working for the same employer, continuously for 26 wks by the time you're 25 wks pregnant. If you're not starting your new job until Jan or so, you won't qualify. But, you will still get Mat Allowance, as long as you have worked for 26 wks out of 66 by the time the baby is born. Doesn't have to be consecutive weeks, and doesn't have to be the same employer. MA is currently about £117 a week for 36 wks. SMP is 90% of salary (or £117 if that is more) for 6 wks, then £117 for the remaining 33 wks.
Regardless of how long you've worked for an employer, you are entitled to full Ordinary Mat Leave (6 months) and additional leave (another 6 months), but you just may not get paid for it.

As for the baby coming at the wrong time, there are always reason's why it's not the right time - I have several - but it's a blessing, and maybe just the hand of fate you need for things to turn around.

Thank you so much for your reply. That's really kind of you. I think you're right and will go for the job anyway and tell them at a later date. Thanks for explaining the maternity pay/allowance. Although I won't get the SMP at least I'll get the MA so not all bad.
Just waiting for my husbands plane to land so that I can tell him! 2 hours left I think!
And thank you for the reality check, it is a blessing and we are very lucky.

sorry to gc just wanted to add that oml has now been extended to 9 months!

Sarah x

Sorry if I gave you duff info about OML, MrsJones, I always work from the direct.gov website, which maybe isn't as accurate as I thought!

How did husband take the news? Must be tough on both of you to be apart at such a momentous time.

hi hun

I was laid off last friday after telling my employers that I was pregnant! Great timing of course so after 3 days of job hunting and 3 interviews I've been offered a job today on a 3 month contract starting on Friday. Of course I DIDN'T tell them i'm pregnant other wise they wouldn't have taken me on!! I'll cross that bridge when I come to it because i've spent way too much stress and time worrying about it.... as long as you have worked 26 weeks out of the last 66 weeks you qualify for Maternity Allowance from the government so you will get something if you have worked this. With regards to mat pay all employers have to pay it now regardless of how long you have worked for them but of course the danger is if you are on probation like I was they can make up another reason and just get rid of you to avoid all that!!

Anyway, good luck, as the girls on here keep telling me - things will work out in the end and we'll manage!!

xxx

hi girls - just somewhat change of tack - i'm sorry to hear that some of you are losing jobs etc, but should you fail to get them / keep them because you are pregnant, and this is the reason they give, it is discrimination, and you will have legal grounds to sue them! contact the CAB for more info.

and conrats to you all!