I've just accepted a new position with the NHS, and although unfortunately not pregnant, I am actively ttc. So this is hypothetical as it may never happen, but I'm just wondering what would happen if I was to become pregnant? It's a fixed term contract for 10 months, so if I get lucky and conceive I'd more than likely be due after the contract ends. Does this mean I would only be entitled to SMP rather than normal maternity pay from the employer?
In my interview I asked about chances of that being extended, and they said it's easy to transfer internally and once you've got your foot in the door it's likely I'll be able to remain in employment there, but if I was to transfer to a different department on a more permanent basis, after I conceived, would I still not be entitled to maternity pay as I was already pregnant before starting in that post?
Sorry for all the hypotheticals I just am hopeful it will finally happen for me but would struggle a bit without maternity pay and worry SMP won't be enough.