What Maternity rights are there if on a Temporary contract

myrnahaz

DD is on a temporary work contract and should find out soon whether she (and the rest of her call-centre team) will be kept on or laid off. However, she just found out that she's pregnant and is terrified that she'll be laid off if they find out. This means that she's finding it hard to make her hospital and midwife appointments without taking holidays.
Would it be better if she came clean about the pregnancy? I know that pregnant women have rights in the workplace, but what about those on temporary contracts? I think there is a chance that some of the 'better' workers will be kept on individually - and she's getting really good feedback from her bosses, but if they find out she's pregnant they may decide not to single her out and let her be laid off with the team, therefore ensuring that they are not discriminating against her.

LottieB

They cannot discriminate against a pregnant woman - if anything it will work in her favour as they may go out of their way to prove that they are not discriminating!

To qualify for SMP you will need to meet the following criteria:

• You must have been employed by the Company without a break for at least 26 weeks into the 15th week before your baby is due (part weeks count as full weeks).
  
• You must earn before tax an average of £87 per week (Lower Earnings Limit for National Insurance Contributions).

If you meet the criteria, you will be paid 90% of your average weekly earnings for the first 6 weeks and 33 weeks at SMP (approx £112)

They also have to give her time off for appointments. Any HR dept worth it's salt will realise this. If she gets any trouble from them she could have a claim against them.

Even if she's on a temporary contract she is employed by them (unless it's through an agency?). It depends how long she's worked there as to how many rights she actually has though.