Can anyone help ?

I have a client who appears to meet all the criteria for SMP except that she is not "employed" but a contractor.

Is being employed part of the criteria, or can agency workers with the necessary continuous work for the same place claim ?

Client says that her employer says she is not entitled, but they also say she is not entitled to SSP and I KNOW that is incorrect.
If client is not entitled she will claim Maternity Allowance instead.

Thank you.

If your agency deducts tax and NI then you can claim SMP. See the excellent maternity alliance website for further details.

Regards
Paul

Thanks Paul.

I couldn't find much on the website, but your advice is much appreciated and clears up my confusion anyway.

Victoria.

Nevip's info can be found on this page: www.maternityalliance.org.uk/parents_work.htm#25

You can also find it near the beginning of the E15 booklet about SMP/SPP. www.hmrc.gov.uk/helpsheets/e15.pdf

If in doubt about the employment status you could always check the Inland Revenue helpline (0845 7 143 143)