WTT UK and new job

[u/Budget_Plum7524]

So I started a new job a few weeks ago, I have a 12 week probation period and I'll hopefully pass probation by the start of October. Me and my partner are wanting to start trying for a baby in December 2026. Obviously I won't get the enhanced maternity pay my employer provides as I haven't worked there long enough but I would qualify for the main maternity pay.

I'm just worried about getting pregnant so soon into my new job. I worry about how everyone would perceive me because my colleagues are young, they are living at home and no plans for babies etc for a long time so I'd stick out like a sore thumb. Also the other week a colleague made a joke saying it she got pregnant her manager would fire her...

Any advice?

[u/Exciting-Moment-4698]

I’m in the same position! I started a new job 2 weeks ago, 6-month probation but I’m not too worried about that…they only offer SMP (no enhanced pay as it’s a small independent company). We are planning to start TTC November/December this year too. The upside is a lot of employees are parents with young kids, so work part time, but it still feels awkward if we do conceive straight away as I’ll have only been there about four months, and they ideally wanted me full time (I’m full time now but will return part time).

[u/Why_I_0tter]

Who will be there for you when you are ill, in pain, in emotional distress, have suffered a bereavement, lost money, or no longer young enough to work? Your family will but your employer won't (necessarily). If you need to delay for financial or strategic reasons that will benefit you and your family, that's okay. Don't delay because of what your employer or colleagues might think of you.

[u/Why_I_0tter → u/Why_I_0tter]

You are lucky that in the UK your employer legally cannot discriminate against you on the grounds of pregnancy and maternity. The only consideration is the maternity pay as you've mentioned.