Maternity pay advice

[Paul180]

My work colleague has been informed that she does not qualify for statutory maternity pay as she has worked for the company for less than a one year; I believe this is incorrect.

She started on a fixed term contract employed direct by the company in November 2021 for six months and it was extended in May for a further six months; she is due in September.

I have been on the Citizens Advice website and put in her due date and it say she is eligible.

Can anyone give me some advice on this, or point us where we can find it please?

I am going to start by advising he to speak to Citizens Advice.

There is no union in our workplace.

 

[Iskra]

Possibly some confusion around terminology here. She is entitled to statutory maternity pay, but she may not be entitled to company maternity pay which often comes with a minimum length of service requirement.

I would politely seek clarification via an email in the first instance, which also gives you any evidence you need should you require it at a later date.

 

[Ralph Ayres]

...and while there may not be union recognition for negotiating pay and the like, there's nothing to stop you all joining a relevant trade union to get access to employment law advice and support in the event of a problem.

 

[Gloster]

...and while there may not be union recognition for negotiating pay and the like, there's nothing to stop you all joining a relevant trade union to get access to employment law advice and support in the event of a problem.

Although, as has been mentioned recently on another thread, unions may only help with problems that arise after the member has joined. Or their assistance may only be limited or informal for the same reason.

 

[High Dyke]

The employer should have a policy covering this.

Information here. https://www.gov.uk/maternity-pay-leave