Hi,
I’m being interviewed for a new job, while my wife is now 6 and a half months pregnant.
I’m worried about what to do regarding informing them that I’d like to take some paternity leave, in the situation that they offer me the job.
I suspect I have no legal rights to take paternity leave now the baby is so close. But if I tell them that I’d like to take some unpaid leave are they legally able to withdraw the job offer? Or are they not able to discriminate against me as someone who is soon to be a father?
Do I have any rights at all in this situation, or am I on my own? Any help would be much appreciated! This is kind of my dream job, but I fear I may have to turn it down because of my impending baby.
Congratulations on both the baby and the interview. To get paternity leave you have to have been continuously employed by your employer for at least 26 weeks up to any day in the 'qualifying week'. The qualifying week is the 15th week before the baby is due. So no rights to statutory paternity leave. I suggest you tell them that its your dream job and that a baby is due soon but you'd like to take unpaid leave if that is possible. If not, perhaps you could take some holiday? I feel that honesty is always the best policy.
Hi,
I don't think you can be turned down because of needing or wanting to go on paternity leave, though having said that I'm sure they will not outright use that reason not to offer the job as it is discrimination.
Although I would just be honest in the job interview of your situation, and ask for annual leave or unpaid leave. They shouldn't be against the idea of you having time off, can't control timings!
Congrats by the way!
Good luck with the interview
Hi
Many roles start with an element of pre booked/authorised time off. Always best to be up front.
Huge thanks for your advice, guys. I’m going through the same issue, so I’m grateful for your help. Btw, it’s been a long time since this thread was updated, so, AKD, I’d like to know how it all went for you.
@jackmark I had no rights to paternity as I hadn’t been there when my wife got pregnant. But at the stage when I was offered the job I mentioned I wanted some time off. I wanted a month and said I’d like it as unpaid leave, given it would’ve wiped out my annual leave allocation otherwise. They agreed to it, so all went well. I would just tell them at the stage of the job offer if you get it - when you discuss pre booked leave. If they think you’re the right employee for them, I reckon they won’t turn you down on the basis of a few weeks of leave.
I can certainly understand being in a bit of a tough spot, so let's see if we can figure out a solution. It's important to check the company's policies, as they may require a certain amount of time with the company before you can take paternity leave.