• Visitors can check out the Forum FAQ by clicking this link. You have to register before you can post: click the REGISTER link above to proceed. To start viewing messages, select the forum that you want to visit from the selection below. View our Forum Privacy Policy.
  • Want to receive the latest contracting news and advice straight to your inbox? Sign up to the ContractorUK newsletter here. Every sign up will also be entered into a draw to WIN £100 Amazon vouchers!

Statutory maternity pay through an umbrella - definition of "consecutive"

Collapse
X
  •  
  • Filter
  • Time
  • Show
Clear All
new posts

    Statutory maternity pay through an umbrella - definition of "consecutive"

    Hi,

    I'm female and thinking about what the consequences of getting pregnant would be on my finances (amongst other things!).

    I get paid through an umbrella company so I am classed as an employee of the umbrella company and therefore I'm eligible for statutory maternity pay through them. I've asked the umbrella company about this and they said that I must have "earnings for 26 weeks consecutively" to get SMP. My question is - what does this mean in reality? If my current contract with one client ended, I had a week or so not earning and looking for a new contract, then got a new contract does this reset the counter of consecutive weeks so I'm no longer eligible? This does not seem fair somehow because as a contract workers we are likely to swap clients frequently, possibly with gaps in earnings, so I wondered if my umbrella company had got this right? Has anyone had any experience in getting SMP through an umbrella and what happens if you have a gap in earnings?

    Thanks

    #2
    The continuity of employment refers to the employment contract that you have with the umbrella company not to individual assignments so if you have been employed by the umbrella company for 26 weeks or more you will be entitled to SMP
    Connect with me on LinkedIn

    Follow us on Twitter.

    ContractorUK Best Forum Advisor 2015

    Comment


      #3
      Thanks Lisa, the clarification is helpful. I will tell my umbrella company this.

      Comment


        #4
        Originally posted by UnknownPerson View Post
        Thanks Lisa, the clarification is helpful. I will tell my umbrella company this.
        No problem
        Connect with me on LinkedIn

        Follow us on Twitter.

        ContractorUK Best Forum Advisor 2015

        Comment

        Working...
        X