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Dear James,
I HAVE just started a new job as an administrator for a small company and found out I am pregnant.
I know my employers (mostly male) were excited for me to get started so I feel like I’ve let them down.
How do I tell my employers that this has happened so soon and what are the laws regarding maternity leave when I have only been here two weeks? Do I still qualify?
Rosie, Hertfordshire
James says:
You need to discuss the future with your employer – and that is what you need to concentrate on now.
Preparation is the key here. Before asking your employers to set aside time so you can have a “quick chat” you need to give some thought to how you can put a plan in place and demonstrate how you intend to prepare for your departure, how you will help to find and induct your temporary replacement and how you intend to hit the ground running on your return.
When it comes to maternity leave, you have an automatic entitlement. However, you’ll need to do some maths to work out whether or not you are entitled to statutory maternity pay.
You will need to have worked for your employer for at least 26 weeks when you reach the 15th week before your due date… Finally, don’t think that you’ve let down your colleagues. Put your mind to managing your professional situation to the best of your ability.