Hi all.
Iv been offered a new job , we are away to start our treatment soon , how long do I need to be in the job before I fall pregnant to qualify for maternity pay ?
We rely on my wages and going to be tight as it is on statutory without losing that aswell if we are successful. Making sure I make the right decision wether to change jobs or not
I have looked on google but it doesn’t make sense.
I think it’s 12 months but not 100% sure xx
I think it’s 12 months but all companies are different. Could you check with HR?
So according to the gov.uk website (sorry dont no how to insert)
It says:
“Statutory Maternity Pay (SMP)
To qualify for SMP you must:
earn on average at least £116 a week
give the correct notice
give proof you’re pregnant
have worked for your employer continuously for at least 26 weeks continuing into the ‘qualifying week’ - the 15th week before the expected week of childbirth
You can’t get SMP if you go into police custody during your maternity pay period. It won’t restart when you’re discharged.”
Hope this helps xx
Yeah I read that but I can’t work out the 26 weeks bit. It’s confusing me. Lol. X
I would read that as you have to have been there for 26 weeks by the time you are 15 weeks pregnant to be eligible for statutory maternity.
I think there is also a benefit you can claim, which is equivalent to statutory provided you have worked continuously anywhere prior to maternity leave. I read up on it as I was going into my last round as I am ‘at risk’ in my current job.
So there for at least 11 weeks before falling pregnant ? Sorry for being thick. X
That is how I would interpret it, but hopefully someone else can clarify too 😊 x
Hang on read it again and it is the 15th week before expected week, that would make it Circa 25 weeks, so 6 months ish...
So my understanding is that if you can do all the others you just have to be working for them for the 26weeks before the last 15weeks I think 🙏🏼🤞🏻 xx
In some places six mtg. Look at gov matnerty site I am quite sure so long as you are with the employer up until the qualifying week. Usually you if your earning the average weekly among, use on the online calculator. Assume your pregnant when you start the employment. Keep me posted
Thanks. I just don’t want to live my life basing every decision on what if we are successful. We may not be, so don’t want to pass up a good job offer on the off chance. X
If you can’t get maternity pay there’s also maternity allowance I think it’s the same or very similar £145.18 a week or 90% of wage which Ever is less for 39 weeks If you haven’t paid enough national insurance within a certain time say not working it can drop to £27 a week for 39 weeks or £27 a week or 14 weeks.
See gov.uk maternity allowance there’s a calculator aswel.
Thank you ! Il be fine then, have worked since I was 16 with no breaks ( I’m now 31) so I should be fine either way. X
Definitely
Some companies may be able to offer maternity pay from day one. My company have recently announced this change. The best way might be to enquire about employee benefits, hopefully they will give you all information before you make your final decision about the job.
I read the statutory rules as 15 weeks before your expected due date = 25 weeks pregnant. So if you need to have worked for the employer for 26 consecutive weeks before that you could get pregnant 1 week after starting.
And I think it’s very normal to ask for full information regarding HR policies and benefits when considering a new job, no suspicions will be raised at all.
Hello,
To qualify for the company scheme if they have one it will depend on your companies maternity policy as each organisation will have their internal policies. Mine is six months in role before qualification of maternity pay but it isn’t uncommon for it to be 12. Is there any way you can get hold of their HR policies without rousing suspicion? That may help. For statutory it is 26 weeks in role before qualifying.
Good luck.
I just feel uncomfortable asking when it’s a new job and ok make them aware I may need considerable time off but at the same time it may not work for us so don’t want to pass up the opportunity on what ifs. X
I know - it is really tricky and you don’t want them to be prejudicial even if it is illegal to do so. You could look on Glassdoor as it the company is big they may have their policies listed there.
I had a similar situation and stayed put so I had the relationships and goodwill to go through treatment. It also depends on if you are unhappy in your current job and if the new job offers a lot more.
Lots to weight up. X
Definitely ! Thank you. I’m thinking of just staying out although things are a bit rocky with management changes but at least I have a good wage. Just have to see what this year brings. X
From my personal experence don't plan your jobs round ivf as such, of your current job has similar benefits then stay with them, however i am a planner, and have put off applying for jobs in the past thinking of my treatment etc, you then soon realise its not a quick process and can take a few months even to get to EC, i've been on the ivf jorney 3 years now and have not pursuded a good couple of jobs because of treatment. The one thing i will say is it hugly eases the pressure if you have a good releationship with your current boss as you wil need time off for scans, appointments, EC etc which isn't always as easy in a new job.
Re stat, as metioned in a comment earlier you have to have been working for the same company for 11-12wks before getting pregnant go qualify xx
Thank you. My concern is , that I will be out of a job soon as I think they are going to shut down my sector. If things were normal I would be fine staying as my boss if lively and supportive. Just scared il be left without a job which is why I’m thinking of jumping ship. X
Really glad I came across this post as I am in a similar situation and it’s good to read everyone’s advice. Hope you managed to make a decision x
Update: Some things are never simple...but it's getting exciting!
A big thank you!
On waiting List on NHS.....Parents now offered to pay private!!? now what!
Work & IVF treatment 
