Boring Q regarding SMP

[wishuwerehere]

When calculating smp employers use your earnings in the 8 weeks prior to the qualifying week. If that time was in a different tax year to when the baby was due, do they use the lower earnings limit for the tax year of the due date or the qualifying weeks?

Sorry boring technical question. I earn almost exactly £112 a week atm so trying to work out finances if we have anotheer baby next year!

 

[ShyDad]

To calculate your average weekly earnings your employer will average your gross earnings over a period of at least eight weeks up to and including the last payday before the end of your qualifying week. The qualifying week is the 15th week before the week your baby is due. This period may vary depending on how often you are paid – weekly, monthly or other intervals.

So, since you're basically on the LEL, I'd find out exactly how long your employer's planning to use for your average weekly earnings period (larger companies often a pretty fixed scheme). Do your maths about when the baby's due and then put in overtime in those average earning period weeks!