Locum contract ends at 36wks. Will I get NHS maternity pay?

[Crumplet]

Hi. I have an NHS Locum Consultant contract which will come to an end when I'm about 36 weeks. I have read that they should extend the contract so that I get the same pay as permanent staff. Is this right? and can anyone tell me where I might find this written i stome to take with me if I need to battle with HR?

thats written in stone - ooops, am safe to take out your appendix, honest!!

Are you employed by the NHS directly (i.e. paye) or though an agency/ltd/self employed arrangement.

It'll depend what's in the contract re maternity pay as locums are supposed to be temp they may be smp only but again need to read the contract.

Either way you'll get at least SMP.

Is this an NHS rule you are referring to? Outside of that if your contract wouldn't be extended anyway there is no need legally for them to extend it purely because you are pregnant and going on maternity leave.

You may be entitled to SMP if you have been employed since before you were pregnant.

I'm on PAYE and I think this extension thing is an NHS rule.. hoping so!