Fixed term contract and maternity leave

juneyjuney

Hello

I have just found out I am pregnant. I will have been in my job 2 years by the time the baby is due. but my fixed term contract is also due to end at the same time.

I am a bit worried as I don't know where this will leave me and if I'll be entitled to anything. Will it just be like your contract has ended bye?

getmore4less

With 2 years they can't just end a contract even a fixed term one.

SarEl

getmore4less wrote: »

With 2 years they can't just end a contract even a fixed term one.

This is strictly true but entirely misleading. If you have worked for two years or more then you have the same rights to be treated as redundant as any other employee. But if there is no ongoing need for the position and no alternative work, then the contract can certainly be ended - that is the entire point of a fixed term contract. Your qualification for payment of SMP if the contract ends will be exactly the same as any other pregnant employee, and if you are in employment in the qualifying week then the employer will pay SMP. But whether you have a job afterwards depends on a whole set of conditions which we do not know - like if there is a job. There isn't enough information about the position at that future time, so the best anyone can say is that you have the same rights to be treated as redundant as anyone else once you pass the two year mark

juneyjuney

Thank you for your replies.

The contract is likely to be to extended depending on funding but that is not 100% definate at this stage. I will have just have to see what will happen.

SarEl

juneyjuney wrote: »

Thank you for your replies.

The contract is likely to be to extended depending on funding but that is not 100% definate at this stage. I will have just have to see what will happen.

Do that and come back at the time if you need to. But timing is essential - don't delay because of pregnancy because whilst it may be uppermost on your mind at the time. these matters are time critical and dleay could cost you any case you might have had!

smileylondongal

Would Maternity Allowance kick in if the OP couldn't claim SMP due to the length of time she's worked? (eg. out of 66 days)

OP, best of luck with the baby!