Can I Get Maternity Leave While on Third-Party Payroll? Seeking Guidance

Hi, I am working in a company on third-party payroll, and I am expecting. I wish to take maternity leave and want to rejoin after three months. Can you please guide if an employee on third-party payroll can get maternity leave? I have been working with this company for 11 months. My contract will also expire with them in October 2012.

Maternity Benefit Act and Employment Protection

As far as the Maternity Benefit Act is concerned, the third party (your direct employer) cannot terminate your service once you have completed more than 80 days of service. According to Section 1, if a woman is absent from work in accordance with the provisions of this Act, it is illegal for her employer to discharge or dismiss her during or because of such absence. It is also prohibited to give notice of discharge or dismissal on a day when the notice would expire during her absence or to change any of the conditions of her service to her disadvantage.