Maternity allowance questions

[Elfishpresley]

I'm due DC2 in July, currently on maternity leave with DC1 but not planning on returning due to childcare issues and the stress I was under at my job during my previous pregnancy.

I have answered the questions on directgov which say I am entitled but I wasn't sure if the part which asks if I have worked 26 weeks between April 2015 to July 2016 include last maternity leave.

Could anyone shed any light on this please?

Maternity leave counts as continuous employment so I would think it does count.

I dont think your entitled to more maternity leave when currently on leave as you haven't returned to employment unless you return to work following your maternity leave ending. To then inform them of your second pregnancy. I could be wrong. I would speak to someone midwife or dwp on the phone.

Sanch is correct.

Sunbeam she hasn't left employment to be able to return to it. Maternity leave counts as continuous service. You don't have to return to work to be entitled to the leave again.

Thank you for your help. I will ring the dreaded job centre in the new year to get confirmation that I am eligible.