Self employed being forced to take maternity early

[Gr3tch3nRG]

Hi,

I am a self employed sports massage therapist and have been working for the past 5 years offering corporate massage. I don't have a written contract with the company or with the woman who hired me.

I am 15 weeks pregnant and informed my boss of my condition when I was 8 weeks pregnant. She soon asked me to give her my dates for my maternity. After my 12 week scan, I informed her that I wished to take my maternity from the start of my 8th month of pregnancy and return to work at the start of the new year (totalling 6 months off).

She has replied to my request by saying that she feels it best for all parties that I take my maternity from the start of my 6 months of pregnancy. In her emails to me, as she has never stated the reasons for this decision. This decision obviously affects me financially as this is my prime income.

I feel as though I'm being victimised as a pregnant woman. I am also angry that a decision that should be mine, has been taken away from me.

Do I have any legal rights? Can she force me to take maternity earlier than I planned even though I am self employed and don't have a contact?

Please help.

[Baabaapinksheep]

If you're self employed them you take maternity leave when you want surely? Although as you're self employed and have no contract she could simply stop using your services, effectively stopping you from working.

Do you only work for this one person?