Maternity leave and FTC

[Mushrooms0up]

I’m about to start a new job on a FTC to April 2024. It’s my dream job and I’ve been advised it’s likely they will extend past April 2024 but it’s not guaranteed.

However, I really want to start TTC. To get mat leave benefits the earliest I can start TTC is October.

However, assuming it doesn’t happen right away, I’d be on mat leave when my contract ends. Would I still be entitled to SMP does anyone know?

The other option is I wait until April 2024 to start TTC and hope it gets made permanent, but that seems like a huge risk if it doesn’t!

WWYD? Also, would shared parental leave be an option at all?

Hi OP, I was in a similar situation to you. Fixed term contacts are a bit of a grey area I think but they can't get rid of you just for being pregnant. Maybe try Maternity Action - they might be able to help?

Yes, your maternity pay rights would be the same as if you were permanent. If you went on mat leave towards the end of the contract you may get the SMP as a lump sum.

If you meet the criteria for SMP you’ll meet the criteria for SPP. You’d need to check that your partner did as well.

SPL, not SPP.

I’m not sure I would take a year of mat leave during a two year FTC. You will be entitled to SMP up to 26 weeks iirc, Statutory being the operative word.

@SalsaLove

I’m not sure I would take a year of mat leave during a two year FTC. You will be entitled to SMP up to 26 weeks iirc, Statutory being the operative word.

SMP is 39 weeks.

(Maybe don’t advise if you don’t know the basics. FTCs are a tricky area of employment law.)

Yes, YouWouldBeATwat

Thanks all :)

I think I’ll wait a year and see if it looks likely to be made permanent. If not, I’ll just look for a new job sooner rather than later I guess!

My ideal is it gets made permanent after 2 years and then I’d TTC but of course no guarantees!