Additional maternity leave?

[Poshpaws]

I started my new job when I was 4 weeks pregnant (unknown to me), so by the time I go on maternity leave, I will not qualify for maternity pay (can get maternity alllowance though).

However, I plan on leaving at then end of April 2005 and not returning until Jan 2006. This means that I will effectively have about 8-9 months off work.

However, I understand that by law I am only entitled to 6 months maternity leave, as I would not have been working there for long enough.

Does it matter how long I have off as the company will not need to pay me anything? Does it affect whether they keep my job open for me?

Would be grateful for any advice.

Thanks

I thought the law was that they had to keep your job open for you for 1 year. Although I'm not sure if this is the case if you haven't worked for the company very long.

I know in my case they have to give me a year - something to look into perhaps.

Sorry I couldn't be more help.

Poshpaws - have look at the maternity alliance website or give them a ring. They will answer it all for you.

try this: \linkwww.tiger.gov.uk/flexible/employee/maternity_rights.htm\tiger website - very good}

tiger - try again!!