Deleting my job before baby arrives - HELP!

[pumpkinpoppet]

I have just been told that my post will be deleted as a result of local government cuts. I was planning to take maternity leave next month. Am really panicking; I have been told by a manager and HR that I am unlikely to find another post at my level/specialism in the local authority. I have also been told by my line manager that I am unlikely to get maternity leave. (I was told that I would get excellent references). I have asked HR for timescales so that I have an idea about what will happen, but two phonecalls and one letter later, I am still in the dark.

I have been looking to see what vacancies there are in other sectors,(nothing found) and I can't imagine that I would be offered anything while pg.

I have heard two senior managers say that for every person that they keep on past April, who doesn't bring in an income, is a deficit they will have to find the money for...I do understand this, but am starting to feel that this is a lot to do with my pg. I feel like time is ticking to get this all sorted and I have almost nothing to plan with. Anyone got any advice or been through similar???

how many weeks pregnant are you? how long is your notice period (should say in your contract) and how much holiday do you have left owing?

I've not got any experience, but suspect the experts on here are going to need to know the answers to what I've asked before they can give you any sensible advice. Apart from that, try not to panic! hope things work out for you :)

Can they actually make you redundant when you have stated your pregnancy?

Get in touch with ACAS and see what they have to say. Something doesn't sound right here.

I am 25 weeks - they gave me my at risk letter at 24 weeks and 6 days (I think there is some cut off point for entitlement at 25 weeks - but not sure if that's only if they make you actually redundant before 25 weeks..)

I have one week of leave left and I have a three month notice period.

To claim SMP you must be employed by the same employer continuously for at least 26 weeks into the 15th week before the week your baby is due (the qualifying week). I know you've had your risk letter but surely if you're still actually working for them at 25 weeks it counts?

If they still manage to screw you, you would be entitled to maternity allowance which when I was claiming a couple of years ago was about the same money as SMP - to claim MA you must've been employed and/or self-employed for at least 26 weeks in your 'test period' (66 weeks up to and including the week before the week your baby is due). Part weeks count as full weeks.

Pregnancy is no protection from redundancy I'm afraid, it sometimes makes them less likely to pick you for redundancy cos they're scared of being done for discrimination.

Def agree with phoning acas. Are you in the union by any chance?