The Balance Collective Ask Me Anything – Any tips on job hunting whilst pregnant?

This month’s question is one that I have worked with clients on a 1:1 basis, as well as witnessed happen in real-time on social media! It’s a question that is laced with a tight deadline and extra pressure; it is

“Any tips on job hunting whilst pregnant?”

This will be an answer in two parts, which I hope will not only benefit the person in question but also support others in a similar position. First, I will remind you of your legal rights, and then I will provide you with job-hunting tips.

Your Key Rights and Protections During Pregnancy.

1.Non-Disclosure

Simply, you are not legally required to say that you are pregnant during the job application or interview process. Furthermore, employers are not allowed to ask about pregnancy or your plans to have children.  This protects you from discrimination.
Pregnancy discrimination is against the law in the UK and Northern Ireland and has been since the Equality Act 2010. So, if you are not offered a job or a job is withdrawn because of pregnancy, you do have grounds for a discrimination* claim.

2.Extended Redundancy Protection

Happen to be job-seeking due to redundancy? It might be worth checking in with your HR Department, Union, or an organisation like Pregnant then Screwed, as your organisation may be behaving illegally. Since 6 April 2024, pregnant employees have had extra protection during a redundancy process. Once you have informed your employer you are pregnant, these protections begin and last for 18 months from your due date (or, to be more precise, the first day of the expected week of childbirth). Not only that, but by law, any pregnant person must be given priority for suitable alternative roles.

3.Statutory Maternity Pay (SMP)*

To be able to take paid maternity leave you must inform your employer of the pregnancy by the end of the 15^th week before the baby is due. If you start a new role after this point, you will need to inform your employer immediately so that your relevant Health & Safety checks and (paid time off) for antenatal care can be scheduled.
If the timings don’t work out for SMP, you may be eligible for Maternity Allowance.

(*What does unfavourable treatment or discrimination look like? It could be anything from being passed over for promotion, having your responsibilities changed without good reason, or even being shown the door. Don’t let anyone make you feel like you’re less valuable because you are pregnant or a new mum. Circumstances can vary, so please make sure you understand your situation. If you believe you have been discriminated against, please keep detailed records and seek legal advice. ACAS are another place to access free support and advice.)

Phew. Now the heavy legal part is over, let me share some career coach-backed ideas on how to job search when pregnant.

Looking for a role when you are riding the rollercoaster of pregnancy can be hard, I won’t beat around the bush.  Hopefully, these tips and suggestions will help you find the next opportunity.

1.Look for companies that are openly family-friendly

You can find them in places like the newly launched “Family Friendly Workplaces”, “Great Places to Work, or on some flexible working jobs boards. When you are searching for roles, see which companies talk about or give you access to their parental leave policies as part of the process. The amazing organisation Nugget Savings also has a membership where you can see these in advance and help you focus your job search.

2.Consider project work

If you are concerned that the need for parental leave will impact your suitability for roles, then temporary or consultancy-based may be an option. It has an end date, and they are driven to have a quick starter with the right skills. Wearing my recruitment hat, these types of roles are often gateways into other roles, longer-term contracts or wider networks. However, this may impact your leave options’ finances, so bear that in mind.

3.Remember your skills and experience

If you are in the early stages of a pregnancy, you are likely to have at least six to eight months where you are at work. During this time, your skills, experience, and capabilities can shine to enable you to make an impact and help prep a maternity cover. Then, up to 12 months later, you will be back to continue that. Many organisations have skills shortages; they need what you can offer. The time you take for parental leave will be a drop in the ocean compared to your career in the long term.

4.Connect and communicate with your network

Most roles are filled through networks, it’s what we professionals call the “hidden job market”. Consider who you know, what you need, and how you can help them; there may be opportunities that suit both of you.
If you are looking for a role internally, don’t delay it if it’s something you want. Back in my corporate days, I started a new job and then discovered I was pregnant after being in the post for a matter of months! However, the impact I made until my maternity leave was solid (if I do say so myself), and my maternity covers were fantastic. I then returned and then stayed several years afterwards. Maybe this would be the case for you?

Good luck with your job search; I hope these tips and links are helpful.

Every month I answer a question from my community within Creating Careers to Enjoy.  There is NOTHING off-limits, so feel free to take part. You can see the previous Q&A through my blog.

If you would like to discuss supporting you or your team with 1:1 coaching or career wellbeing workshops, please book a call through my diary. You can also reach out at hello@thebalancecollective.co.uk