Where a member of staff has a fixed term contract and qualifies for maternity leave, they will be accorded the same entitlements as comparable staff employed on open-ended contracts. If there is funding available to extend a fixed term contract, the extension will be offered regardless of the pregnancy or maternity leave. A non-renewal of contract due to reasons related to pregnancy or maternity leave would constitute sex discrimination.
If the contract end date falls within the period of maternity leave and the contract is not renewed, any College benefits due will continue up to the date of termination of the contract and will cease on termination of employment. Where there has been less than 39 weeks of maternity pay at the termination date, the College will continue to pay the remainder of the Statutory Maternity Pay.