Maternity pay advice

[Yeohan]

Hey everyone,

I have been informed that I wont get maternity pay for my second job and their reasons do make sense.. but I was just wondering if there is anything that I can do because I'm pretty dependant on this job, especially considering my other one only provides me with SMP.

I am currently expecting my baby on the 23rd of January 2024 and I will be leaving work at the start of December. I work two jobs, one in care which will provide me with SMP, and the other that says I do not qualify for smp because of the recent contract renewal and the subsequent fact i havent had 26 weeks continuous employment.
This job is with a university helping a disabled student to complete his degree. The job provides me with 16-20 hours per week and I have done it for 3 years now, going into my fourth. The problem is, it is only during term time so my "continuous emplyment" ends in June, and continues at the start of September, along with a new contract (although my actual contract is ongoing and I get paid for my holidays in August, so it must be a 12 month contract but i only get paid for 10 of these months).

From my understanding, the reason I don't get smp with them is purely due to timing, as my 15th week before my due date is so early in the academic year (my 15th week is the start of october, I have only 1 payslip before this in the year, the September one) but I'm so very anxious about this because I really do depend on this money. Is there anything that I can do? I have had this employment for 3 years now and the contract never changes.

Any advice is greatly appreciated 🙏

Hmm not sure this is right.

Have a look on pregnant then screwed and speak to acas

I’m sorry I can’t help much on the specifics (maternity pay confuses the heck out of me, as someone also in the process of informing my employer) but you might contact the Pregnant then Screwed HR helpline? Details here:

https://pregnantthenscrewed.com/the-hr-advice-line/

Do you have a payslip for August when you were on holiday?

Thanks all, I will speak to them on Monday and update! I always seem to start these things on a Saturday morning 😅 but its slightly reassuring that it doesn't seem right to you.

I don't have one for August because I stupidly asked for my holidays to be paid early for my trip to cornwall at the end of June.. hugely regret that now but I didn't even think about it at the time! I've always been paid in August for holidays in previous years. I'm worried that might be the nail in the coffin 😫

Don't panic. This can be sorted

Similar situation happened to my sister she spoke to Acas and then she was able to make it clear that she had been in employment for longer than 26 weeks. It's nothing some paperwork won't fix like all your payslips over the three year period etc. if not though you can speak to universal credit. Also have a look online at other in similar situation think someone mentioned pregannt and screwed

I'm not sure you can get more than one smp though, if you have enhanced that's different.

Does this second job offer enhanced maternity pay?

Yes, this is going to be key.

You can get from 2 jobs so long as you qualify for both

After 4 years a series of FTC you are deemed to be permanent.

So does your contract every year not say you have continuity of service?

This doesn't appear to be correct, are you issued with a P45 each year? I assume not.

I suggest speaking with Acas on Monday.