Maternity Pay and Baby No 2

[Fluella]

I'm currently on SMP and have told work that I would be taking my full 12 months off. I dont particularly want to return to my current job as it's full time so thinking of handing my notice in after Christmas.

We've been talking about trying for baby no 2 next year and I would look for a part time job but would I be entitled to SMP again?

Sorry it's a bit vague but just trying to get my head round everything!

 

[MrsRH]

hi hun!
SMP and Maternity allowance (what you get from the government if your are not entitled to it from your employer ) is a wee bit complicated and depends on how long you have worked for a particular company and how long you have paid national insurance and how long any break in service was( not including mat leave)

Best look on https://www.direct.gov.uk/en/MoneyT...ort/Expectingorbringingupchildren/DG_10018869

If you get a part time job, you will have to see what they offer regarding SMP, You might have to work a certain number of weeks before you can claim if from them.

Lots of ifs and buts!!!

Could you go back to your current job part time, as a working mum you are entitled to ask for reduced hours or flexible working??

Good luck
Rachael
xxx

 

[Fluella]

thanks for replying!

I dont particularly want to go back if I dont have to my job and I know they have to consider reduced hours but it doesn't go down well at all with them! Ideally I dont want to go back to work at all but in order to qualify for some type of mat pay I would have to return to work for a bit.

It definitely is a lot of ifs and buts!!!

 

[MrsRH]

Just check your contract with your current job as some contracts will say you have to go back for a period of time or pay back some of the SMP....... worth covering all bases!

It's never straight forward for us ladies!!
xxx

 

[laura3103]

you dont have to go back to work now to cover the SMP the law changed last year for this as i think mums felt pressured into going back to work when they didn't feel ready.

also like it has been said before the SMP is paid by the goverment so you dont have to pay the employer back.

you have to work a minium of 26 weeks with the same employer before your 15 weeks pregnant to qualify for SMP

the law will proberbly change again next year as they are trying to bring in 12 months maternity leave with pay!!!! this is why i'm waiting till after xmas to try for my next baby lol!!

also as for going back to work i would ask for flexi hours they have to give yu a very good business reason not to. i have asked and still waiting to hear something about it but i will push till i get what i want they will not beat me lol!!

 

[MrsRH]

Check your contract re maternity pay; I found this below.........
I knew there was a payback clause somewhere; my friend had to do it : (

My employer gives extra maternity pay. Do I have to repay it if I don't go back to work?

If your employer has given you extra (contractual) maternity pay you only have to repay it if that was agreed in advance or specifically stated in your maternity policy. You only ever have to repay the extra contractual pay, never the SMP part of your maternity pay. SMP is 90% of your wages for 6 weeks and £123.06 per week for the remaining weeks (or 90% of your average earnings if this is less) and is yours to keep whether you go back or not.

xxx