Re Maternity Pay on Fixed Term contract

[user1483787837]

Hi,

I am currently working on a Fixed term contract which is due till end of July. I am currently 22 weeks with my baby due in Nov. I have informed my HR and she said I will qualify for SMP as I have completed 26 weeks with my Employer. I would like to know does qualifying for SMP automatically give right to claim maternity leave? Can I discuss my leave with Manager and convince that I can join after 6-7 months after baby is born?

No, if your contract ends before or during your mat leave you don't have the right to go back. Your SMP would be triggered by being there at least a week before you got pregnant and working through the qualifying period, but it doesn't mean your job gets automatically extended.

Mine didnt. I recieve full smp, plus I qualify for their enhanced mat pay. But, funnily enough, they didnt extend my contract which runs out 2 months after my LO is due.

It is worth talking to ACAS to find out where you stand if you really want to return as there are some rules companies have to go through.

Mine didnt. I recieve full smp, plus I qualify for their enhanced mat pay. But, funnily enough, they didnt extend my contract which runs out 2 months after my LO is due.

It is worth talking to ACAS to find out where you stand if you really want to return as there are some rules companies have to go through.

Hi All,

My contract ending on Aug 11 and reason my manager told me is budget issues. HR told me I qualify for SMP but hesitating to give email confirmation. I am planning to ask then to give MATB1 form and my maternity certificate back so I can apply from Job centre. Any idea how soon can I apply in job centre for Maternity Allowance? I am scared I might not find work for long after the baby...

If you've already worked there for 26 weeks and you're going to hit your qualify week before august 11th then you should be eligibile for smp.

If you're not, your employer should advise you within 7 days of received your Matb form.

More info is here: www.gov.uk/maternity-pay-leave/eligibility

You don't need the job centre for mat allowance, you just print and fill out the form

My understanding is SMP is better than Mat Allowance, as with SMP you get 90% of your wages for the first 6 weeks before going onto the lower amount of around £140 a week. I don't think you get the 6 week enhancement with Mat Allowance from the Job Centre (I might be wrong). So it's worth fighting for SMP if you qualify - and they can't really refuse.

Yes, I confirmed with my HR they said I qualify for SMP but not maternity leave...so I need to look for work later...Also, they asked me if I want SMP to be paid all at once or split over 39 weeks? I need to check the amount as I am on Fixed term contract.. any suggestions?

Re: lump sum or regular payments, might be worth finding out if the are any tax/NI implications of getting paid in a lump sum. I think I heard of someone getting heavily whacked for both when they got paid in a lump, andaomsthing about being able to claim some tax back but not the NI? Can't remember exactly.