Smp, sickness and new employer help!!

[k28chris]

Hi
I started a new job in July with the nhs and sustained an injury whilst at work a few days into my new role.
I have just returned to work on a phase return and found out I'm pregnant.
I have worked within the nhs for 15 years with no break apart from this sickness.
Will I be entitled to maternity pay if I've been off sick? I've read I need to have been working with the employer for 26 weeks before 15 weeks baby is due. Technically I would have been employed but will sickness effect pay?!
Thank you!

My understanding is that if you're still being paid by the NHS and technically still employed by them, but are just off sick, then yes you should get mat pay. The only thing I would say is that your pay is calculated based on the 'qualifying weeks' (I can't remember what they are, let's say 18-25 weeks for example sake but you'll need to check). If youre off sick and receiving reduced wages/no enhancements for nights etc then your mat pay may be a bit less.

E.g. I was promoted to B7 two weeks before mat leave, but my mat pay was calculated on the 'qualifying weeks' of which I was a B6.

Posted too soon...

That's why if you're a shift worker, they suggest where possible to work enhanced shifts during the qualifying weeks. A lot of the girls I worked with would swap their day shifts for might shifts/bank Holidays to boost their pay during those weeks

Thank you very much for your advice.
This is what I've been thinking too x