Pregnant while covering maternity leave contract

[KL921]

Hi all,

Posted this on the pregnancy boards but just posting it here to see if there is any other knowledge/ advice.

I’m currently six weeks pregnant and shortly due to be taking a temporary promotion at work covering a 12 month maternity leave. I’ll be doing this as a secondment so my original role will be held open for me to return to at the end of the 12 months.

If all works out, I’ll be due to go on Mat leave six months into the 12 month contract. Obviously this is terrible timing but it is what it is.

Am I right it thinking the full pay part of my Mat leave with be paid at the pay of the role I’m doing when I go on Mat leave?

I’m also thinking when my maternity leave is up I will be returning to my old role and pay, they don’t have to keep the promotion opportunity open to me as it’s a temp contract?

Finally any advice on telling my boss? I’m dreading it as he will be gutted as not only do they then have a post to fill again but I know he was excited for me to do this and will be disappointed.

I know it will be a backwards step for my career but there is nothing I can do about that now so will worry about that after Mat leave!

Your SMP will be calculated on your average weekly earnings in what is called the “relevant period”, this I believe is the 8 weeks before the qualifying date, which is something like the 15th week before baby is due. Google/the gov website will have exact dates. So depending on when your secondment starts and how far along you are, your SMP will be your substantive pay, seconded pay, or a mix of both. For OMP you should check your policy/contract/with HR.

They do not have to keep the promotion for you if it becomes a permanent role, however if the employee does not return and they recruit for it they should allow you to apply, and cannot take into account your pregnancy or maternity leave as that would be discrimination.

Thank you that’s really helpful, I won’t be going on Mat leave until I’m 37 weeks and I’ll be starting the secondment when I’m 12 weeks. I will check the policy next week for OMP. We can get by on my substantive salary but it would be great if it was on my secondment pay!