Maternity rights in a new job

[Saraelle]

Just wondered if anyone can offer advice, personally or professionally, regarding maternity leave.

I am trying to conceive (only just started trying) and currently have a FT job but it’s my family business and I’ve wanted to leave for 2 years but never found anything suitable. I now know of something coming up which I would love to apply for but my OH is asking me to think and maybe wait my current job out for maternity, obviously for maternity pay.

If I was to apply, (as there are no guarantees I will fall pregnant immediately and I’m not sure I can continue working in my current job, for fear of stress and or a breakdown) what are the rights if I were to fall pregnant so quickly?

Thank you

You need to have been working for the company for 26 weeks by the time you are 25 weeks pregnant in order to get SMP. If you got pregnant faster you could claim Maternity Allowancd

That would depend completely on the company policy if the new job you may move too. If you fall pregnant in the first year of a new job it is unlikely you will get anything above statutory maternity pay. Also if you do fall pregnant straight away there are certain criteria to be entitled to SMP which you may not meet if there is a small gap in employment or you haven't worked in the same employment for qualifying weeks. Then your option would be Maternity Allowance. A pregnant women is protected by lots of rights at work but they have to know you are pregnant for these to apply, but also if you are going to be in a probation period at any new job then you may want to keep a pregnancy quiet so it isn't a factor in any decision making for the company (not that they would tell you it was). Lots to consider really.

As PP have said you need 26 weeks of service by week 25 of a pregnancy to get SMP. The terms for any enhanced occupational mat pay will vary by sector and employer.

I know someone who was headhunted in very early pregnancy and managed to negotiate a full maternity package as part of her overall salary negotiations. This was in City banking and she has a very niche skillset, however; it depends on your sector and your attractiveness to a new employer.