Less than 12 months with employer?

Hi all,
looking through all these threads, I've noticed that you need to have been working for the same employer for 12 months to be eligible for maternity leave, but nowhere on the government sites for my state (NSW), does it say what happens if you have been working for the employer for less than 12 months.

The reason I bring this up, is that casual teaching has gotten on my goat. I never know what money I'll have,whether the bills will be covered, etc,and am starting to look for a 'real job'. This gives me a great sense of security, as we are not in a position financially for me to be a SAHM, unfortunately.

However, clearly if/when I get a job, by the time the baby is due in December, I will not have been working with that employer for 12 months. So what happens? Am I expected to pop out and have the baby in my lunch break and go straight back to work? Is there any leave entitlement at all?

Lisa xx

Hi Lisa,
You probably would take any annual leave you have accrued and/or leave without pay. I am assuming you are going to try to get a permanent position as a teacher? Could you speak to a friend/colleague or could they find out for you?
Would your employer allow you to take sick leave (paid) if you have a Dr's certificate? My boss did. I got paid sick leave for 4 weeks, then I have 2 wks annual leave (paid) and 12 months maternity leave (12 wks paid).

in a lot of cases, the maternity leave entitlement is only related to whether you get paid mat leave or not - i know that i'm in a govvie role, and one of the girls that started after me went on mat leave 6 weeks after she started - it just wasn't paid leave. i think it depends on who you're employed by to be honest....

Thanks for the input girls. Actually I'm not going for a teaching role, I need something less stressful, and a job has come up with the government health service here which I should have a good chance of getting. My Dad also works for the health service and says I'd be able to do the job standing on my head. So fingers crossed, it'd be exactly the break DH and I have been needing! It would mean we could pay the bills AND get a car AND get to my brother in law's wedding next July, AND actually be able to provide for the baby properly! What a relief it would be :)

Briggsy's, if the girl you work with is anything to go by...I should then be able to take a few months unpaid..I hope. I don't expect paid leave, just to be able to take 4-6 months, and know my job will be there for me.

Lisa xx

I think it depends on the employer if it is less than 12 months. I had only been with my employer 7 months when I left to go on maternity leave. They told me that I could have 12 months off (unpaid) and then return to work full or part time.

i think that regardless of how long you have been somewhere PAID leave is at the discretion of the employer's policy (I dont think it is legislated but I may be wrong). I think in terms of unpaid leave, this usually kicks in as long as you have been there for 12 months but again it can be extended in other situations according to the employer. I would think a govt agency would prob be more flexible in this than other employers may be so you would have a good chance of getting some time off and still having a job at the end of it. Good luck!