Main Applicant Pregnant, and homeoffice questions

Hi,

main applicant for WP, 26 weeks pregnant. EDD 14-02-2024

will be joining the job on 15 December.

home office questioned by email today:

As you cannot access public funds (statutory maternity allowance), how will you financially support yourself and your newborn child?

at the time of the interview, the employer was informed about the pregnancy, and as per their understanding, the applicant was not eligible for maternity allowance or maternity pay. however, it is okay if 2-3 weeks off is taken from annual leave. and flexible hours work from home is done a month before delivery.

now, is the above arrangement of the employer considered normal? any suggestions from people who have experienced similar situations would be highly appreciated.