Maternity pay

[Afternooncatnap]

I'm due back work soon after 12 months maternity leave.

I want to have baby no.2 sap but want to make sure I'm eligible for smp.

From what I've read I have to be in continuous employment for 26 weeks before the 15th week before the baby is due.

So am I right in thinking if I returned to work as long as baby was due no earlier than 41 weeks after I returned I'll still get smp.

You are still employed while on maternity leave. But you may want to make sure you maximise your earnings for the 'qualifying weeks'

If you only get smp then you're fine regardless; you're employed during mat leave so it counts.

If you get any enhanced maternity pay then there might be a qualifying period of work to consider to benefit from the enhanced part.

OK that sounds good. But I am returning part time so will have to sign a new contract.
Will that mean the time starts over or because it's the same employer it doesn't matter?

Same employer so the service counts. Your new contract should mention this.