Hi there, I'm new - new to the forum and new to contracting. I have been googling for ages and have read some related threads on this forum, but haven't found one that really mirrors my circumstances. Feel free to link me to previous threads if this does look like a repeat though.
Background: I work in a highly specialised field, which requires qualifications and experience that are very rarely found in the world of Software. This means I have little competition but there are also next to no jobs in my field, let alone near me. I recently won a 12 months contract with a large global organisation. This contract is likely to be extended for a few years. In the UK I will be the only one doing the job I do and I will not be easy to replace (particularly after they've sent me off to the US for training all expenses paid, which they're doing in my first week).
I will be 23 weeks pregnant on my start date. Of course I didn't mention that during my interview. In fact, it's not all that noticeable. I don't forsee this to be an issue interfering with my work. I will be almost exclusively working from home, and at least initially the contract is part-time and somewhat flexible regarding hours of work.
I do not intend to take maternity leave. I am aware that, although from previous employment I'd be eligible for Maternity Allowance, I have no employment rights and would lose the contract if I did. I have no interest in being off and all that matters to me is that I keep this contract, as it's absolutely perfect for me. I've already sorted out post-birth childcare.
Question 1: For normal employees it is mandatory to take 2 weeks off following birth. Is this mandatory for contractors too? The nature of my work doesn't make it necessary that I do, but if I have to I'll cover that with holidays, if the client/the agency/my umbrella company object to me claiming 2 weeks of actual maternity leave.
Question 2: For normal employees it is mandatory to inform their employer of the pregnancy 15 weeks before the due date - so at 25 weeks. Is this mandatory for contractors, too, or could I wait a bit longer? I'd prefer to make sure I'm absolutely indispensable before I bring it up.
Question 3: In what order do I tell my line manager/the client, the agency, my umbrella company? Who should know first? Who needs to know at all?
I'd really appreciate your input. Apologies if this got a bit lengthy/complex.
Background: I work in a highly specialised field, which requires qualifications and experience that are very rarely found in the world of Software. This means I have little competition but there are also next to no jobs in my field, let alone near me. I recently won a 12 months contract with a large global organisation. This contract is likely to be extended for a few years. In the UK I will be the only one doing the job I do and I will not be easy to replace (particularly after they've sent me off to the US for training all expenses paid, which they're doing in my first week).
I will be 23 weeks pregnant on my start date. Of course I didn't mention that during my interview. In fact, it's not all that noticeable. I don't forsee this to be an issue interfering with my work. I will be almost exclusively working from home, and at least initially the contract is part-time and somewhat flexible regarding hours of work.
I do not intend to take maternity leave. I am aware that, although from previous employment I'd be eligible for Maternity Allowance, I have no employment rights and would lose the contract if I did. I have no interest in being off and all that matters to me is that I keep this contract, as it's absolutely perfect for me. I've already sorted out post-birth childcare.
Question 1: For normal employees it is mandatory to take 2 weeks off following birth. Is this mandatory for contractors too? The nature of my work doesn't make it necessary that I do, but if I have to I'll cover that with holidays, if the client/the agency/my umbrella company object to me claiming 2 weeks of actual maternity leave.
Question 2: For normal employees it is mandatory to inform their employer of the pregnancy 15 weeks before the due date - so at 25 weeks. Is this mandatory for contractors, too, or could I wait a bit longer? I'd prefer to make sure I'm absolutely indispensable before I bring it up.
Question 3: In what order do I tell my line manager/the client, the agency, my umbrella company? Who should know first? Who needs to know at all?
I'd really appreciate your input. Apologies if this got a bit lengthy/complex.
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