Pregnant!

[Emmsie]

I personally would advise them immediately, its not a though they aren't likely to notice when you show up on the day and its possible that you may need some consideration on the day which they can prepare for.

 

[northwichcat]

Legally you don't have to tell them you are pregnant, but if you do and you subsequently pass the tests and then get told they don't want you, or they say you can't take the tests due to your pregnancy then it's automatic discrimination. Train driving being a safety critical role is not an excuse. I would like to think most company HR departments would be fairly clued up about this and treat you accordingly.

Check the citizens advice and TUC websites as they have loads of relevant info on pregnancy at work. Good luck with the pregnancy and good luck with the assessments.

I can't comment on specifically how the railway recruitment process works but they may ask if there's any dates you aren't available for whatever reason - whether it's holidays you've already got booked or anything else. Obviously you can't give an exact date for the birth of your child but it wouldn't be wise to pretend you have full availability for the next few months as they giving them false information at the interview stage can result in a fair dismissal when you know you are pregnant and have an expected date.

In this day and age it's not unheard of for the mother to be the primary breadwinner. Nowadays the "traditional" family model doesn't really work for everyone, especially if you're in London where the cost of living is crazy if you aren't fortunate enough to have low or no rent/mortgage outgoings. In many cases, both parents have to work or else accept a lower standard of living, reduce costs by pooling resources i.e with other family members or face an increasing amount of debt to stay afloat.

Indeed. There's also a lot of jobs which can be done from home as long as you have a phone and a computer connected to the Internet. Mum or Dad could do well paid work from home at the same time as they are looking after the child.

 

[Lem]

Its up to you whether you want to tell them but they can’t discriminate because you are pregnant. MTR are for working mums (on the recruitment part of the website it days ‘supports workingmums.co.uk’) and if I remember rightly the vacancy stated at the bottom they will be offering job shares/part time hours after the initial 9-12 month training period. I say go for it, you have nothing to lose!

 

[Fbihi]

I know someone who completed their training and passed out as a driver whilst pregnant. She then went home ready to drive on her own the next day for the very first time - and went into labour several weeks early later that night (granted, her pregnancy started shortly after she began the training course!). She didn't actually drive her first train alone for around a year after that!

It's entirely your decision whether or not to mention it, so you have to make the one that works best for you and your own individual circumstances.

My personal advice would be to make them aware of your pregnancy, unless its at a stage where reasonably you might not be aware yourself. If you're obviously visibly pregnant, I would certainly advise them in advance, because they will notice as soon you come in the door! You will probably then find that they will be extra careful regarding your assessments because to do anything else might leave them open to the possibility of discrimination. It's true that you don't have any legal requirement to make them aware, but my experience is that these people appreciate openness and honesty - and that won't harm your case for future employment. They can't refuse to employ you because of your pregnancy, but you need to be aware that they could potentially suggest that you defer either the assessments or any future employment for a period of time in the interests of your own safety.

From your own point of view, you need to make sure that you're happy to go through with the assessments on the day (this is where telling them in advance can help you. You could possibly have a chat with them about your condition and whether that might have an impact for you with any of the assessments). Once each section starts, it cant be interrupted. It can be a fairly intense and stressful day for some people and you need to make sure that any stress etc isn't going to cause you any problems at this stage. Don't forget that its just a job and family and health are always more important!

Best of luck to you and I hope everything work out!

Thank you!
I think you hit the specific issue I am dealing with.
Will drop them an email tomorrow morning advising my situation so that they are aware. I believe it is the correct thing to do.
Thanks again.

 

[Fbihi]

I thank you all enormously for your advice!
Will update with any responses I get.

Hope all your amazing advice guides/helps anyone going through a similar circumstance.

 

[Chrissythemoo]

Hi Fbihi,

Congratulations on your pregnancy! I Cannot believe FOCTOCs comments! How did you get on after you advised them? The only concern I'd have about completing the assessment centre whilst pregnant is the dreaded hormones! You could practice all you like and be absolutely brilliant, but if, on the day, your hormones are running riot, you could end up performing like you havent practiced at all.

I'm suffering with hormone fluctuations myself, but due to a very different reason, I am 47! Lol! I have my Assesment on 20th November and am absolutely cacking myself!

 

[EssexGonzo]

No aspersions cast, I was curious. As a driver, and also a father I just wanted to learn of your aspirations. The mother of my own child was in full time employment as a bank manager when she learned she was pregnant and continued until she went on maternity. On returning to work (and not 24hr shiftwork) she found she was unable to cope and adjusted her employment accordingly.

I just wondered what you expect having passed the assessments? I would find out how much of a hurry the prospective employers are to get people trained up to avoid possible dissapointment.

Wow! Having ignored your first comment (subsequently edited), this one gobsmacked me!

"She" found herself unable to cope. Not "We" found ourselves unable to cope. Therefore "She", by the look of it, had to make the adjustment on her own rather than you helping her as a family team. Hmmm, lucky "her" for the empathy and support. And yes, I admit to having been judgemental whilst not being in possession of all the facts, but I can see that you understand that particular style.

OP - good luck with your forthcoming life changes!

 

[Seejwalker]

Morning forum.
Been in a dilemma of what to do and appreciate any advice!
I applied for MTR crossrail back in May. Passed the online tests etc and have now received an assessment centre date for late Jan 2019.
Between that time I found out I was pregnant and am due in Feb!
I don't know if I should let them know or waddle in the centre looking like a sea lion! I am hesitant as it took months for a slot to become available & scared I will be pushed to the back of the que; Also don't want to go and be rejected because I am pregnant.
Any advice would be appreciated.
Thank you.

If they don't ask and you don't feel as though you may need some extra assistance for the assessments in terms of being comfortable then you dont have to say anything.
The assessments exist to judge your competency to do the job. They're not looking at you as a person at this stage.

 

[Fbihi]

Hi Fbihi,

Congratulations on your pregnancy! I Cannot believe FOCTOCs comments! How did you get on after you advised them? The only concern I'd have about completing the assessment centre whilst pregnant is the dreaded hormones! You could practice all you like and be absolutely brilliant, but if, on the day, your hormones are running riot, you could end up performing like you havent practiced at all.

I'm suffering with hormone fluctuations myself, but due to a very different reason, I am 47! Lol! I have my Assesment on 20th November and am absolutely cacking myself!

Thank you and the best of luck to you!
The hormones are definitely a struggle, but try chamomile tea (lots of it) to help calm the nerves! You will do great and u will pass!! Keep that in mind and go do your best! Like a lot of people have advised, if it's in you it will be a breeze. If not, at least you tried!!
The best of luck to you.

If they don't ask and you don't feel as though you may need some extra assistance for the assessments in terms of being comfortable then you dont have to say anything.
The assessments exist to judge your competency to do the job. They're not looking at you as a person at this stage.

Thanks for the reply.
I emailed them and they said they could not give me an earlier date but will advise the centre. The response was very supportive and encouraging fingers crossed we will get through this easily with as less kicks as possible

Wow! Having ignored your first comment (subsequently edited), this one gobsmacked me!

"She" found herself unable to cope. Not "We" found ourselves unable to cope. Therefore "She", by the look of it, had to make the adjustment on her own rather than you helping her as a family team. Hmmm, lucky "her" for the empathy and support. And yes, I admit to having been judgemental whilst not being in possession of all the facts, but I can see that you understand that particular style.

OP - good luck with your forthcoming life changes!

Thank you.
Will keep you updated on the journey!

 

[Seejwalker]

Thanks for the reply.
I emailed them and they said they could not give me an earlier date but will advise the centre. The response was very supportive and encouraging fingers crossed we will get through this easily with as less kicks as possible

Well I'm glad you now have some reassurance, good look with both of your new challenges, contrary to what others may believe, there's no reason it won't all work out for you.

 

[Bananika]

Why would you want to gain a job that you know obliges you to work long anti-social shifts?

Wow, 2018 and still we are seeing this kind of attitude! This man is everything that is wrong with the modern railway.

Long gone are the day's when the misinformed were able to state that the railway was no place for a woman... I Just wonder what FOCTOC's HR department would make of his attitude towards family friendly working and women in rail.

To the OP, welcome to the railway family. Luckily the vast majority of our brothers and sisters are great people with forward thinking capability. Don't let ridiculous comments put you off a giving your goal. Best of luck to you in your future career.

 

[whhistle]

Train driving being a safety critical role is not an excuse.

Although quite different, pregnant people who work on board are usually automaically given roles in offices as soon as they tell the company. If something happens, which is more likely on board, the company doesn't want blood on it's hands, so to speak.