Survey highlights flexibility penalty for mums
Despite the post-Covid move to more flexible working, many mums are struggling to get the...read more
I have been a self employed agent with a company from earlier this year and have signed a yearly contract with them starting from that date. I have found out that I am pregnant and the baby is due in the autumn. I haven’t told my principal yet as I am waiting on scan and test results coming back. I know I will be entitled to Maternity Allowance, but I would like to know what my rights are regarding my contract as I am fit and healthy and wish to continue working right up to my due date and returning after minimum maternity leave. Do the company need to keep me on? Will they still pay my commission during my maternity leave and also do they have to keep the position open for me to return after the baby?
I’m afraid that as a self-employed contracted worker, rather than an employee, you have no maternity rights beyond Maternity Allowance. So although your client company should still ensure your health & safety as an expectant mother, you have no rights to maternity leave, return to work, SMP, continued benefits etc.