(bugger all) Maternity rights on fixed term contract?

[kingfix]

Anyone been in this situation or know where I can go to find out my rights?
I am pregnant and working on a fixed term contract. The baby is due a couple of months before the contract expires and my employers say they will 'take me off their books' when I leave to have the baby.
I don't think this makes much financial difference to me, as I have not been there long enough to qualify for SMP, but I am annoyed on principle. Surely they can't end my contract early because I am pregnant?
They are also suggesting that I can't use my holiday allowance to cover the two weeks between the dates I'd like to stop work and my EDD, but that seems unfair. Any advice, please?

Definately go to Citizens Advice re finishing your contract early, that doesn't sound right! I worked in at school on a fixed term contract. My contract was ending at same time as I left to have DS2, which I knew was happening. Luckily I had been there long enough to recieve SMP.
I did however recieve my Additional Maternity Pay when my DS2 was 5 months old on the prevision that I went back supply. I bot the payment the month I went back supply. But this may not be a law maybe just the policy for the council I work for?? Sorry prob not much help. Good luck x

I think it would be discriminatory of them to end your contract just because you are pregnant!!

I'm no expert, but bumping for you so someone who does know more will hopefully see this.

some info here

Thanks. That website does seem to say they can't treat me any differently because I am fixed term not permanent. Now I have to summon the will to talk to HR.

No they shouldn't end your contract early, but to be fair, they probably think it's just easier. Your contract should finish as planned.

In terms of your holiday, they don't have to let you take it whenever you want I'm afraid, so if they don't want to let you take holiday for those last two weeks, they don't have to. You may have to bring your maternity leave forward if you don't want to be at work then. Once your contract ends they will have to pay you any holiday pay outstanding anyway so you will get the money a couple of weeks later.

Seems bizarre of them to say that though. If it's about needing you in the office then, there's no point trying to restrict you because you could just bring your maternity leave forward, so I don't really understand why they would refuse to let you take your holiday.