Freelance and maternity cover expected to spike as pregnancy surge begins

Businesses are being predicted to brace themselves as pregnancy rates will reach their highest numbers all year, according to reports. Wednesday 17 January 2018 marks a nationwide pregnancy day as more than 10,000 women are expected to take tests following National Babymaking Day two weeks earlier.

While recruiters will be waiting anxiously for the news, they may not be waiting as long as years gone by, with just under 75% admitting they’ll break the baby news before their 12-week scan. The news will be welcomed by the growing virtual and freelance community, with many PAs turning to Virtual Assistant positions

The study, by Channel Mum, also revealed that women will take an average of six pregnancy tests before reaching a conclusion, even finding themselves addicted to those blue lines.

“Being hooked on pregnancy tests may seem strange, but the majority of mums do it,” said Siobhan Freegard, founder of Channel Mum. “Seeing the positive sign come up gives mums-to-be a buzz and also helps reassure those who may be nervous about their pregnancy.”

The time will also be important for staff retention, with new mums facing pressures from all directions, with many preparing to make the jump to a role as a stay-at-home parent. Among the reactions expecting mums will face, one in five are likely to be questioned on whether they will cope, and older mums will be asked ‘don’t you have enough kids already?’

5% will be quizzed about who the father is while 2% will be described as ‘too old’ to have a child. In all, around half of mums expect negativity when revealing the news, and one in three will even receive verbal abuse from work colleagues and friends, putting an emphasis on making sure your business has a welcoming company culture.

Will you depend on VAs for maternity cover? Let us know on Twitter, Facebook or LinkedIn.