Maternity Rights?

[Megan1995]

Hi, I’m new here, I’ve just found I was pregnant this past Saturday. I’m waiting for my appointment with the midwife.

I’m wondering about my rights and what I’m entitled to. Basically I am starting a new job on the 15th July, next Monday (agreed to start before I was pregnant.)

I have been reading up on maternity leave and statuary maternity pay etc and don’t really understand. I won’t have worked at the job I am starting for maternity leave and pay for 26 weeks like it says.

What am I entitled to and what help can I get? Thanks for any help. I am a bit clueless/scared.

You'll be entitled to maternity leave but not statutory maternity pay. You can apply for Maternity Allowance instead

Thank you, what’s the difference in pay etc? Do I still get the same amount of time off?

Yes leave is the same. MA doesn't have a 90% of wage component and is a set amount each week

www.gov.uk/maternity-pay-leave/eligibility

www.gov.uk/maternity-allowance/what-youll-get

Congratulations

Leave entitlement exactly the same, with your job protected, holiday accrued throughout maternity leave. And maternity allowance is almost the same as statutory maternity pay, so no need to worry.