Maternity rights/Probation period

c1ar4

Hi,
Hoping someone can offer some advice as I have been to the CAB but they weren't very forthcoming.
Basically my partner and I started trying for a baby in 2011 but when I was offered a new, higher paid job in September 2012 which I accepted, we decided to stop trying until I was settled in and had passed my probationary period. My contract states that I have a 6 month probationary period (it is a large multi-national company), which I will have completed in March. However, it does not state anything regarding maternity rights/pay, am I correct in thinking if it is not stated explicitly then the basic rights and pay apply implicitly?
Also, I am worried that if I do fall pregnant shortly after my 6 months are up, this will have a detrimental effect at work with my employers...I have been told by the CAB that they cannot sack me for becoming pregnant as this would constitute unfair dismissal and discrimination, but equally there is no guarantee they will keep me on, that they could make up other reasons for my dismissal such as quality of work to mask the real reason of pregnancy. I have had praise from all of my managers on my quality of work so far so this would be highly unlikely. I also don't want them to think less of me, in that I would be taking maternity leave shortly after starting with them. The thing that is driving this is that my partner and I are in our early 30's and our biological clocks are ticking, obviously I may not become pregnant for another year or so but just want some advice if I do in the meantime.
Thanks in advance

nikki2804

Most employers have a maternity policy. Normally its listed in the contract or handbook. You will have worked for more than 26 weeks so thats fine.

Its true that you cannot be dismissed for pregnancy as its discrimination. If your employer did find reason to terminate your contract then they would need to be able to back it up otherwise they would lose an employment tribunal.

Worst case scenario is that you only get SMP which is around £135 p/w I believe. Check with your employer though, I know mine offer 6 months full pay then 3 months SMP.

Takeaway_Addict

Do not worry until it happens is my advice because whatever the situation you can do buggger all about it at the moment!