Fixed Term Contract Dilemma

[ladyandbump]

Hi xx

Im having a dilemma, although i don't need to make any imminent decision (am 13+4). Am currently employed on a fixed term contract that ends 31st March 2010, and my baby is due May 2010. The department is going through a complete re-structure which is likely to be finished by end of March next year, although at the moment I doubt that a) a suitable permanent job will come my way and b) even if there is a suitable job it will be advertised after the end of March probably.

I read somewhere that if I start my maternity leave whilst employed by my current employer then they would have to pay the whole 39 weeks - even though I wouldn't remain "employed" during this period.

I can't decide what is best - if I put in for my maternity leave to start from e.g. mid March 2010, would they feel pi*sed off with me and then somehow engineer it so I definitely don't get a job, or would they possibly think well, if we're paying her SMP then we might as well keep her on and extend her contract! lol. On a performance front, they seem keen to keep me and keep saying they hope a job will come up - but having now seen the proposed structure I can't see that there is a suitable job that I would want

I checked the dates and the SMP rules would allow me to start maternity leave as early as around 7th March.

Getting them to pay SMP seems easier than chasing up maternity allowance via the benefits agency - although of course this is the other option.

Any thoughts? lol xx

 

[Kiwichick17]

If you are eligible for SMP - which you would definitely appear to be going by the dates listed then it's best to claim this rather than Maternity Allowance - there is more flexibility for you in that if they do extend your contract/give you a permanent role you would be able to potentially use Keeping in Touch (KIT) days.

Depending on the employer and whether the restructure is going to lead to job cuts or just changes if they are acting like they wish to keep you on then it is definitely possible to apply for a role and get it (whether recruitment/promotion/job change) just before starting maternity leave. Good luck and I hope a role that suits you comes up!

 

[ladyandbump]

Thank you kiwichick x Unfortunately there are likely to be cuts, although some new posts might also come up that I can apply for - will see how it goes up to end January and then make a decision - would certainly be easier for me to get SMP from them rather than chasing up maternity allowance and probably filling in a zillion forms! lol xx