Temporary to permanent contract - "continuous employment"?

[smugbug]

A friend is currently pregnant and has been offered a permanent contract at work. She is currently paid through an agency (but has been working for the same employer for nearly a year) - if she is now taken on permanently by this employer, would she qualify for statutory maternity pay under the continuous employment rule or does her employment 'restart' if she signs the permanent contract?

I have tried googling, but it seems to be a bit of a grey area, any advice (or a nudge in the right direction) would be much appreciated - thanks

[daddydaycare51]

Give Citizens Advice a ring they should know ?