Maternity Pay. Not sure if I am entitled to any?

[yaaarrrp]

Hello.

I was wondering if anybody would be able to help me with a maternity pay question?

So I started a new job in the middle May this year working for a private school. (Im in Scotland btw)

Basically I fell pregnant in June. Completely unplanned and tbh although very happy to be pregnant feel a bit gutted due to the timing as I really love this new job.

So I have only technically been working there for about a month and a half before the school holidays started. Due to go back next week.

So I havent actually signed a contract yet. I dont think this is particularly unusual for that school as after speaking to colleauges they said it took several months for them to sort out thier contracts.

I just dont know where it really leaves me though. I havent told anyone at work about my pregnancy and will refrain from telling anybody until I legally have to. Im currently around 12 weeks pg and this being my 2nd pregnancy am starting to show a little already so will be hiding in baggy clothes but hoping nobody notices.

Im just worried that my work will think Im just an arsehole that only got this job in order to get maternity pay when this couldnt be further from the truth. Its just awkward timing. Im just worried that as I havent signed a contract they'll just get rid of me as soon as I say anything. I dont even expect any maternity pay I would just love the opportunity to be able to return after my maternity leave.

Has anybody been in this situation and are you able to offer any advice. Much appreciated and sorry for the long post.

Does the start of your pregnancy come after your start date or before? If its after your start date you should be entitled to Statutory Maternity Pay.

If your pregnancy is dated from before you started work then you could be entitled to Maternity Allowance instead

You have the right to return after mat leave. That's a day one right. Calculating maternity pay is a bit more complicated.

You also have the right not to be dismissed due to pregnancy or taking mat leave, right to time off for ante natal care & a pregnancy risk assessment.

There'll be an acas guide to maternity rights if you google it. Their materials are usually very good.

Congratulations as well xx

The contract is irrelevant anyway - it doesn’t have to be written and an offer letter will do. But they should give you written particulars within two months
https://www.gov.uk/employment-contracts-and-conditions/written-statement-of-employment-particulars
s