Fixed term contract to cover maternity leave

[solo2]

Never looked at a job covering someone else's leave so have no idea what pitfalls there maybe apart from the obvious one of possibly no job at the end of it.

My questions so far are if anyone can help:

Do I have to stay the whole duration of the fixed contract? Say contract is 18 months long and after 12 months I am unexpectedly offered my ideal job elsewhere that I previously failed to get, can I hand in and work my notice to leave like a normal contract?

At the end of the contract and the person on leave comes back and I'm out of a job, if I'm unable to secure further employment before I leave can I claim normally on mortgage payment protection insurances? I know you will all say read the small print but I cant see anything saying you can or can't. What about if things get desperate and I have to think about signing on/claiming benefit? Would I b considered as giving up work voluntarily therefore unable to claim? I've always worked and never claimed in my life but there is always a first.

Any other pitfalls?

[solo2]

CaptainSlow said:

Is this a different role with your current employer?

No, new employer.