Job offer - with a twist

So I just got offered a job that I applied for in March and interviewed for in early August. Needless to say, my circumstances have changed as I am now 20 weeks pregnant (well, 20 weeks on Friday). I really want the job, but need to be available for 'full-time training for up to 12 weeks.' At the pace this job has moved, I can't imagine that the training would start before I have the baby. Would they legally be able to rescind the offer because of this?? I would be looking to return to work ideally in October...

Obviously, I am going to be upfront and honest with them and will get in touch tomorrow. Just wanted some opinions about whether or not that would be considered discrimination based on pregnancy/maternity because of the training thing?? I am also asking them to work part time (three days a week, I hope!!).

I'm not sure on the discrimination, but good luck!! I hope they are willing to work with you given the amount of time that has passed.

Sounds like a question for Citizens advice or one of the other organizations.

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Hope it works out for you, Kate! 

Fantastic news Kate!  Is it a role you want?

Do you have the offer in writing?  If so, I would think it would be very unlikely they could retract the offer easily.  I would contact ACAS and see how they recommend with proceeding.

And yes, I'm going to be "that person".  I doubt you'll be ready to go back to work in October.  Unless you absolutely have to from a financial perspective, I would plan to be home for at least 9 months and likely 12 months after baby arrives.

People who pull offers because of pregnancy are a holes.

Lots of good advice here!  Hopefully it can work out how you want. I don't think they can rescind on the job offer, but I am really not sure. 

Unless you absolutely have to from a financial perspective

Yup, that one. I haven't worked full time since April (well, technically earlier, but was on gardening leave til end of April) and it's really beginning to bite. My current part-time job wouldn't cover the cost of childcare... and yes, this is a job I think would really interest me (I'd get to spy on people's taxes).

Thanks all! Will just have to see how things go, I guess! I guess I'm pretty used to sitting around waiting for things that you can't control...

Yup, that one. I haven't worked full time since April (well, technically earlier, but was on gardening leave til end of April) and it's really beginning to bite. My current part-time job wouldn't cover the cost of childcare... and yes, this is a job I think would really interest me (I'd get to spy on people's taxes).

Thanks all! Will just have to see how things go, I guess! I guess I'm pretty used to sitting around waiting for things that you can't control...

I really think you'll be good.  If they rescinded the offer due to pregnancy... wow.  You could have a field day with that in the media.  Just ask that the training take place sooner rather than later.  I would give ACAS a call and see how to broach it though.  But I suspect it'll all work out.

Don't forget you'll qualify for Maternity Allowance.  While not much - every little bit helps.

Good stuff is already here. I just wanted to add that I'm pleased for you and hope that it all works out okay!

and yes, this is a job I think would really interest me (I'd get to spy on people's taxes).

This made me chuckle!  Best of luck - hopefully they’re understanding and willing to work with you given the circumstances!

Update:

So after the checks and everything came through, I was formally offered the job! But full time and starting Feb 18 (When I will be 37 and a half weeks pregnant)... doh! So it looks like they didn't get that I'm pregnant (despite asking for a deferral) or that I had requested part-time when I do start...

But today I received the news that I have a new job starting the 2nd of January 2020!!! I'm pretty excited about it, even if it turns out radically different from my expectations, it still isn't teaching, so that's a bonus.

It's a bit crazy though. I applied for this job (it's with the civil service) in March 2018... Interview August 2018... provisional offer in October and formal offer in January 2019. Request for deferral and part time approved today!!! So don't expect anything to be done quickly, is what I've learned!

So pleased for you!!!

That's absolutely brilliant. Congratulations!!

Well done, Kate!