Confused!

[FLU77ERBYE]

Hi Ladies! Hope you're well. I need some advice please. I am a single Mum with 2 children, I am currently recieving SMP from work, However...My contract is due to end this week as it was only a 12 month fix term. They said I wont recieve my P45 as they are still paying my SMP.

How do I go about 'handing in my notice' If my contract has ended? I am at a loss with being 'employed' I get just over £500 and £300 goes on rent and thats with my Housing Benefit.

Does anyone have any ideas? I have no idea what I would be entitled too as well when I leave.

Any help would be appreciated!

Thanks xx

 

[xxembobxx]

Are you wanting to hand your notice in so you don't return to work? Or is work telling you there is no job to return to?
Normally an employer can just not renew your contract but if others are having their contracts renewed and you are not then that could be seen as sex discrimination on grounds of maternity and you could pursue a claim at an employment tribunal (your right to do this kicks in regardless of how long you have been working there).
If you feel it is not because of your maternity leave then you can continue to receive SMP until the end of 39 weeks. Some employers choose to pay this in a lump sum but this does mean you will pay more tax (which you can claim back) and more NI (which you can't claim back. Also if you started another job you would then have to pay back any weeks you had claimed SMP for.

I think it's just easier to get a weekly payment from your employer. For working tax credit purposes you would be classed as employed so still entitled to that until the end of the 39 weeks - is HMRC paying you based on current year (SMP) income?
You won't need your P45 until the 39 weeks are over so you can claim Income Support or when you get another job (at which time you would inform current employer to stop paying SMP).