Unpaid leave before maternity leave

[Newmumtobe25]

Hello all!
New mum to be here! Im really hoping someone could help me.
Im 28 weeks pregnant this coming monday. Im due to go on maternity leave end of January, using my last 3 days of annual leave just before and then to start SMP start of February.
Im physically and mentally exhausted in my 9-5, 5 days a week job, the back and pelvic pain is just getting worse. I just cannot stick it anymore.
im wondering does anyone know if I can take unpaid leave most of January and still request to start my SMP in February?
ive been told by a colleague in work that she doesn't think so, but im new to all this so just wanted to know if anyone has done this or heard of doing this before.
TIA ☺️

Yes - SMP has to be the same employer for 26 weeks at your qualifying week. You're not eligible for SMP.

SMP - same employer for 26 weeks by the time you're 25 weeks pregnant

MA - have to be employed for 26 out of the 66 weeks before baby is due. Can be multiple employers

Yes, SMP it has to be continuous with the same employer for 26 weeks by week 25

Yes sorry op you're not eligible for smp with those employment dates.
I wouldnt expect my line manager to know this do they have an office manager? Who does payroll?

Get on to MA application its just the enhanced 6 week payments you'd lose out on - appreciate that could be significant

I'd recommend speaking to the pregnant then screwed team, they're an amazing charity and they can provide you free advice from a qualified employment lawyer, then you know your rights and can work out what you want to do

You can take maternity leave at any point now so I doubt they would allow unpaid emergency leave, every employer is different though so worth enquiring

Thanks all, really appreciate it