What is statutory maternity pay?

What maternity pay entitlements on a fixed term contract?

• I have just discovered I am pregnant with my first baby (4 weeks) and I am wondering what Maternity Pay I will be granted. I am currently full-time employed on a fixed term contract (2 years), and ironically have only 9 months left on the contract! So my contract will end pretty much around the time of my due date. Will I be entitled to Maternity Pay from my employers, SMP or none at all? Direct Gov's website just confuses me. Notes: I have been working full time non-stop for 10 years and I do not claim any benefits. I am a UK resident. Any Mum's out there in/have been in the same boat? Thank you.

• Answer:

  Although it is pretty much illegal for your employer to do so they will probably just end your tenancy and that'll be that, they're not going to keep someone who they are going to have to pay maternity leave, they'd rather employe someone who will be there to do the work :(