Pregnancy and fixed term contract

[HettyMeg]

Does anyone know if you qualify for statutory maternity pay if you have been working with a company on a 12 month fixed term contract?

Asking on behalf of a friend.

SMP yes, provided they have earned enough in the required weeks.

As pp said if you meet the criteria you qualify for SMP and are still employed by the 15th week before your EWC they are required to pay SMP. https://www.gov.uk/maternity-paternity-pay-leave

What you need to be aware of is that they can pay the SMP in a lump sum which has tax and NI implications. For example if your FTC ends part way through your mat leave they may end the contract and pay the remaining SMP in a lump sum.

Remember whilst employed you accrue annual leave and should also be paid this if they end your FTC at its end date.