SMP for relief workers?

[TittyWhistles]

Hi, I had a full-time contract with the company I work for, up until a couple of years ago when I went on maternity leave.

At that time I received all the standard SMP benefits from my employers and returned last year after my mat leave ended to my usual job but on a 'relief' basis (as i dont have regular childcare) with greatly reduced hours (sometimes as little as 10 hours a month) and without the usual contract, although I am obliged to complete training and keep uptodate with necessary qualifications.

I'm now 14 weeks pregnant, I don't want to tell my employers yet so I'm scouting round for information on what my maternity rights would be as a relief worker.

I don't think I would qualify for SMP as my earnings are usually too low, has anyone the skills or the experience to help?

Anyone?

There no such separate classification as 'relief worker'. Either you are employed or you aren't, and you are just on fewer hours than you used to work.

As you've been employed with the same company for more than 26 weeks, you meet the length of service criteria for SMP, so the only question is whether you earn enough. SMP is calculated on your average weekly earnings between weeks 17 and 25 of your pregnancy, so if there's anyway you can up your hours at that time that would help.

If you don't qualify for SMP your employer will have to give you an SMP1 form and you should then be able to claim Maternity Allowance, which is £135 or 90% of earnings (whichever is lower) for 39 weeks.

That's great. Thanks for the response.