Right then - I'll try and keep this as short as possible.

I started working as a Xmas temp for a large chain of shops in Oct. I found out after 1 day that I was PG and had to tell them immediately, as my role included lots of heavy lifting. They were fine and I was moved to onto the tills and trained in another dept. My contract ended on NYE but was extended until the end of this month. I'm still waiting to hear if I'm being kept on as the manager doesn't know how many hours he has to allocate yet. Some temps have already left so I've been told (through the grapevine) that things look good for me - and that I was being considered for a weekend role. Just waiting to hear for definite.

So - if I am kept on - what happens with regards to maternity pay and leave? I don't think I qualify for anything from the company but can I claim from any other source? Ideally, I would like to work as close to the birth as possible (esp if it's just weekend work and not many hours) and then start back in Oct.

Any advice would be great. I'm so confused - can't seem to think straight at the moment!

Thanks, Tronski 19+1 xxx

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Well good news is that I've been kept on! Bad news that I'm now only on a 3.45 hour contract (!!) so will be lucky to earn ??20 a week.

[Modified by: Tronski on 26 January 2010 17:06:52 ]

Try this website, very helpful:

http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/Parents/Moneyandworkentitlements/WorkAndFamilies/index.htm

Good luck x

I dont think you will qualify for maternity pay from them, but should get some from the government i think, but check the link above from Mickos xx

I've had a read through thanks. So I won't get SMP but may get maternity allowance.

Then if I'm not kept on, I'm screwed!

I've had a read through thanks. So I won't get SMP but may get maternity allowance.

Then if I'm not kept on, I'm screwed!

I am in pretty much the same position. I know I wont get maternity pay as I dont qualify... but Im wondering about maternity leave? I dont think the company I work for will allow me to leave off for maternity and then come back later in the year (even though they dont have to pay me anything). is there guidlines for this or will it just be down to the uncaring alpa males and career minded women at head office? if so im in trouble lol

Hello Tron, me old mucker.

Before you started working for Evil, when was the last time you worked?

If you can show that you've worked for 26 out of the 66 weeks running up to your due date, you should be able to claim Maternity Allowance, even if theose periods of work were for different employers.

Hi there!! I knew you could help.

Well unfortunately I was out of work for the rest of the time - damn recession! My partner has a full time job so there will be some money coming in - just wondered if there was anything extra I could look into. x

How many weeks have you worked for Evil?

Even if they don't keep you on (and if they don't I will go set them on fire after all the messing about!) if you picked up any other temp work to bring your total up to 26 weeks before the due date, you could still get MA so don't lose hope!

Well I've been there for 14 weeks now. Only on 12 hour contract but have done more then that every week so far - including one exhausting 42 hour one!