Do I Have to Tell My Job I Am Pregnant?
While informing the workplace of your pregnancy sooner than later can work to your advantage, you are not required to do so.
Applications for maternity leave must be made to your employer before your 25th week of pregnancy.
By reading this article, you can discover your rights and obligations and the advantages and disadvantages of disclosing your pregnancy to your employer.
- 🤰Still unsure whether you are pregnant or not? — Take our Online Pregnancy Test
Why Notify My Boss When I Am Pregnant?
You may be concerned about your employer's reaction and wonder whether it would be better not to inform them.
This is especially the case if your place of employment has 15 or more workers, as they must follow strict guidelines in making pregnancy-related accommodations. Your privileges start as soon as you notify your boss in writing and end when you return from maternity leave.
It is best if your employer learns about your pregnancy from you rather than someone else.
Therefore, it usually makes sense to tell your boss as soon as possible and before sharing the news with anyone else.
📘 For Further Reading:
- Can I Be Fired for Being Pregnant?
- Pregnancy Accommodations
- Maternity Leave
When to Disclose Your Pregnancy at Work
Many factors play a role in considering when to tell your boss about your pregnancy:
- Some women prefer waiting until they have passed the 12-week threshold, and the risk of miscarriage decreases.
- Others anticipate a positive reaction from their employer and decide to inform them immediately.
- Some prefer to tell their boss without delay for reasons of fairness, thus avoiding resentment over a surprise 'absence.'
- Others may delay the announcement for personal reasons.
While each of these approaches is valid, there are specific regulations in place regarding pregnancy notifications.
In the United Kingdom, you are not legally required to tell your employer if you become pregnant, but you must inform your boss before your 25th week of pregnancy if you want to request maternity leave.
Your prospective employer may not ask about your pregnancy status during a job interview, but you must tell them immediately after you are hired.
As a pregnant employee in the UK, you enjoy significant protections, aka the 'protected period,' as soon as you notify your superior in writing. This period lasts until you return from maternity leave. Without maternity leave, this period ends two weeks after delivery. Your letter should include your due date and the date you would like to start maternity leave.
If you are absent from work for pregnancy-related health reasons, it is advisable to inform your employer of your pregnancy so that your absences are not counted against you.
- Your employer may request proof of pregnancy after your announcement.
If you do not want the news of your pregnancy to spread, tell your employer of your desire for privacy.
👥 How does my personality affect my pregnancy? — Take the Personality Test
Reasons to Wait
If you are on a rolling contract that is up for renewal, you need to weigh-up whether it is better to wait until the new contract is signed before announcing your news. Your decision would depend upon pregnancy laws, the size of your company, and your relationship with your employer.
- Pregnant on a Fixed-Term Contract
If you are still in your probationary period, it may be a good idea to wait until you are given a permanent contract.
- Pregnant During Probationary Period
Are you concerned that your boss may pressure you to get an abortion?
- Coerced Abortion
Additional Concerns
Hopefully, this article addressed some of your most pressing questions. We realise that your concerns may be more complex. Every situation is unique, and it is our priority to help you find satisfying answers because you matter! Our unbiased digital counselling tools were designed with you in mind. Why not give them a try?
- 💡 Dealing with a specific concern? Take the Solutions Finder Test
- 💪 Wondering whether you have what it takes? Strengths Finder Test
- ⚖️ Are your concerns causing you to wonder whether to have an abortion? Take the Abortion Test and receive an immediate evaluation.
Disclaimer:
While we aim to provide you with the most up-to-date information possible, profemina does not guarantee the accuracy of the information provided.