Maternity Pay - what happens of you are on a fixed term contract then go permanent?

[BasKaro]

I am pretty sure I'm pregnant (faint lines at mo. But on all 4/5 tests I've taken) but all I can think right now is about my job.
I'm on a fixed term contract which ends early 2023. We just applied for our jobs again (as permanent) and if I get it (again another issue... do I tell them at interview??) I'll be on a new contract I guess in the autumn. I started 6m ago. Does this mean I get maternity pay as it's the same employer or not as it's a new contract for essentially the same role (I think one small change). I'm too scared to ask HR or whoever incase then I don't get my permanent role but then it also makes me think when should I tell them. Torn between "the right thing" and protecting my rights. Exhausted already

Don't tell at interview, don't tell hr.

Check if there's a published maternity package for the company. If there's a union representative they can ask questions annonomously on your behalf (unless you're the only woman or something)

Similar happened to a woman in my team. She chose to stay agency and not take the permanent contract
Do you have this option if they say the permanent means you essentially start again?

We were allowed it, totally different job but same company, but might be company specific.

It's sort of civil service (but not quite), it's a very big government organisation
I forgot about my union, I'll ask them. Thanks. Eeek

If it's nhs you should be fine.