Temp to perm

[Baby 4 me]

Hi,

I'm really hoping someone can offer some advice as I don't know the best person/people to talk to.

I have been employed by a temp agency since end March this year. The job I'm in just now (through the temp agency) has been ongoing since beginning May and next week I am due to sign my permanent contract. I just found out on Sunday that I am 6-weeks pregnant.

So my question is - where do I stand SMP, MA wise?? My work do not offer their own maternity pay only SMP.

If you need anymore info please let me know!

Here's hoping someone can clear this up for me.

Thanks in advance!

B4M xx

 

[cazza1982]

Firstly, congrats on your pregnancy!

OK, lets see what we can come up with for you!

All employed women are legally entitled to a total of 52 weeks Maternity Leave regardless of their length of service. Women do not need to qualify for SMP to be able to take maternity leave. There are two types of maternity leave.

Ordinary Maternity Leave (OML) – the first 26 weeks maternity leave.

Additional Maternity Leave (AML) – the second 26 weeks maternity leave

In order to qualify for SMP, you will need to have been permanently employed for at least 26 weeks continuous employment by the 15th week of expected due date. This would make it 41 weeks of which by that time, you will already be playing with your little one!

You are entitled to Maternity Allowance though regardless of length of service with the company as it is based on your national insurance contributions.

The only difference with SMP and MA is that the first 6 weeks of SMP is paid at 90% of average weekly earnings (there is a limit) and then falls to the normal weekly pay (currently £123.06 pw).

Don't forget that you are also entitled to paid time off for ante-natal appiontments (including commuting to and from) as well as continuing to accrue holiday entitlement and also be considered for any other benefits within the company (promotions etc) whilst on maternity leave.

Hope this helps!

xxxx

 

[Toria09]

I am in the same sort of situation although we are not TTC yet I am waiting to sign my permenant contract too. I hope it all works out ok and would love to hear what happens as OH and I are deparate to TTC but feel like we have to wait six months after I am made permenant so I don't miss out on any pay.