BLBG just wanted to confirm what Tanstar said you do need to have worked 26 weeks directly before you take mat leave in an ongoing position to be entitled to paid mat leave. that does include term holidays not just working weeks so you would have to work it out. i am guessing the ongoing position is for 2009 so i guess it would depend on if you would actually be able to work 26 weeks next year? when is your EDD?

and yes i would recomend the union to give some advice however they can get it wrong sometimes which is what happened to me this year.

good luck x