Am I entitled to maternity pay at my retail job?

[is30tooyoungformidlifecrisis]

I have a 10mo and recently got a job at a lovely independent store. I'm thinking of staying here instead of returning to my previous career as it's low stress so I can come home and enjoy time with baby, and it's flexible.

However my contract doesn't say anything about maternity. I get standard statutory sick pay and holiday days (pro rata), will I be entitled to any maternity pay, time off while they hold my job for me etc?

I don't want to ask as it's a small operation, the owner, myself and 1 other staff member. I don't want to worry them thinking I'll be taking loads of time off soon or look unreliable, but I probably want another baby in the next couple of years and wondering if it's feasible to stay here for that time and then get some maternity. Would love advice who knows how this works with retail where I'm currently contracted 2 days, it will go up to 3 soon.

If there’s not any policy about enhanced maternity pay then the UK government laws around statutory maternity leave and pay will apply. Only if you are an employee though so it would depend on your contract. Details are here https://www.gov.uk/maternity-pay-leave/eligibility

You are entitled to maternity leave as soon as you start working for a new employer, however to get Statutory Maternity Pay you need to have been working there for at least 26 weeks by the time your "qualifying week" arrives (15 weeks before your due date) In practice this means you need to start working there BEFORE you get pregnant.

If you are not eligible for SMP (you also have to be earning more than £123 per week) then you might be able to claim Maternity Allowance.