WWYD - pregnant on FTC

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Not sure where best to post, but would appreciate some views.

I'm currently on a FTC which ends in April, it's highly likely I'll be extended to December.

I'm due early July (work don't know) and have 3 months notice. Also I'm the 'breadwinner' by quite some margin, so need to be earning.

Given I've contracted most of my career, I'm aware statutory pay would be the most I'd ever get (if at all), and I'd only be able to take up to 6 months leave (but would love more).

So my quandary:

Do I accept the extension and return for December only? Meaning finding a new job from January 2024.

Do I look to start a new contract from May, meaning I can go back in December and will have work until the April?

All thoughts welcome!

Hopeful bump!

you need to tell your employer you're pregnant 15 weeks before your due date. If I were you I would look for work at a university or some other institution that does great maternity pay. If you're on FTC and it ends in April, are they not likely to not extend as they will know that you're pregnant? Is there a way you can lock in the extension now?

Being self employed, you can get maternity allowance, that might be a bit more than smp, possibly.

I would tell your employer at 15 weeks.
They can’t discriminate you on the basis that you are pregnant, but they can just simply not extend your contract for undisclosed reasons.

Have you been offered the extension now?

I didn’t understand the bit about a new contract from May to the following April, is that something you know you will be able to secure?

It's not clear from your post as you mention FTC but also mention being a contractor. So are you an employee on a fixed term contract or a contractor with a contract in place for a certain length of time?

Hi all - thanks for the responses!

Hopefully this clarifies things:

I'm currently on a FTC, but have been contracting previously (mentioned in my OP just to say when I stepped away from perm roles I knew I'd likely be giving up any enhanced mat packages).

My current FTC ends 28 April 2023.

I am likely to know in the next 4 weeks if they will extend me. I've been verbally told etc and seen business case but not had the formal paperwork yet. Due to budgets my extension would be to 31 December 2023 (rather than another 12 months).

Baby due July 2023 and I'd like to take 6 months ideally.

So do I leave this role for another - pro is I'd have something to go back to after mat leave, cons are obviously joining to then go off quite quickly.

If you're on a fixed term contract you should have the same maternity rights as if you were on a permanent contract so will qualify for maternity pay. If you leave and start somewhere else you'd only qualify for maternity allowance so I would have thought staying would put you in a better position.

Thanks @DarkMatternix - if I stay I'll get statutory, so the 6 weeks at 90% etc.

My main concern is returning to work.

If I stay I'll have to spend time on mat leave looking for a job to start in January.

If I move, I'll be able to return from 6 months mat leave to a role (at least for 4 or 5 months), so I can then look for my next contract then.

Hope that makes sense?