Maternity Leave Entitlement

[MotherDuck23]

Sorry if I've not posted in the right place here... feel free to tell me where else I should be if not!

Last week I found out I was pregnant! A little miracle, after being told I don't ovulate and it was unlikely I would ever conceive naturally :)

However, I currently work for my local Council in a full time role. I have just transferred to another full time role on a 12 month contract within the Council. I became pregnant before the new contract started (although didn't know it at the time!) I have not yet told work as I'm only about 5/6 weeks gone and have my appointment with the midwife in 2 weeks time so wanted to wait until then, and I have a better idea of my due date etc. I am wondering whether anyone knows whether I will still be entitled to maternity pay as I have been in continuous employment with the same employer, just on a different contract.

Thanks for all your help!

Hi motherduck

Firstly, congratulations :)

Your maternity leave entitlement should be set out in your employers policies and procedures. Do you have access to them?

On your contract it should also state your entitled continuous service so it shouldn't matter that you've transferred to a new role.

Are you a permanent employee?

As long as you maintained continuous service as set out by your organisation you should be entitled to satutory mat pay. Whether you are entitled to occupational (enhanced) mat pay will be dependent on the organisation and be in your handbook.

If you do not have continuity of service (and I really think you will) then you are still entitled to a years mat leave and maternity allowance, as long as you were in employment since getting pregnant, doesn't need to be in the same job.

Are you civil service?

Thanks for you help. I'm not Civil Service, I'm (new to) HR... so will be dealing with more situations like this! I have a copy of the maternity policy but because I'm in quite a unique situation it doesn't really make it clear what I'll be entitled to... guess I'll just have to tell them after my midwife appointment on Friday and see what they say!

How long have you worked for the company for in total OP?