UK advice, paying back maternity pay

[wishingalways]

Hi ladies,

I am just wondering if there are any ladies out there that have changed jobs approx 4/5 months into maternity leave and have not had to pay back maternity leave top up pay.

My company pays 19 weeks full pay then goes onto. Smp but I have read everything and cant find anything in policies of company that states I would need to pay maternity pay back. I am worrying now as I know I will be leaving and I cant do anything about it but dont want to left in a situation were im due my company thousands.

Anyone been in a similar situation or can tell me what their company does. Xxxx

 

[MrsRH]

could you phone HR dept as they will be able to tell you for sure??
xxx

 

[wishingalways]

Yeah, I have my meeting on wed but dont want to give it away that im possibly leaving so its how I bring it up. X

 

[booflebump]

If you are paid over and above SMP, and then don't choose to return to work, you will 99% likely be liable to pay back what you were paid over SMP. Sometimes there is a set minimum period you have to return to work for so you don't have to pay it back

 

[suzib76]

Is there any reaon why you don't want to give it away tat you won't be going back?

If you know for sure you could always just request they only pay you SMP and not any OMP

 

[wishingalways]

I'm not sure if I will be leaving or not and don't want my boss to know that I might be leaving in case I don't if that makes sense. It would just cause bad air amongst the office and I don't want to say only pay me SMP when I am entitled to what everyone else that works for the company gets. I have asked a couple of girls in the office and they say I shouldn't have too but I will ask to be sure. I suppose I will find out on Wed but I have read a few things on the net that say unless it's stated in the maternity policy then they cannot make you pay it back, and it doesn't say anything in mine so I am quietly optimistic.

Thanks for all the replies. xxx

 

[Ellbee78]

My friend refused to take the enhanced pay option from our employer in case she left (which she did) to avoid getting into the situation if having to pay money back if she left.

I know 2 people who have had to pay their "extra" payments back.

 

[wishingalways]

Well had my HR appointment today and I do not have to pay back maternity pay if I decide to leave so thats a huge relief. I do work for a great company with great benefits of which I'm very thankful.

A company must have it outlined in the maternity policy to be able to claim back extra top up maternity pay and SMP pay comes from the government so does not have to be paid back either.

Thanks for all the advice though. xxx

 

[KittiKat76]

So if its not in the "congratulations you're expecting" 30 page booklet they gave me then I won't have to pay any extra back? That makes sense. They would have to legally inform you in advance to take it back in 12 months time!

 

[wishingalways]

kittikat thats right if its not in the policy and they haven't outlined it before hand they cannot request any of it back. x