UK maternity pay and leave: A working mums guide

UK maternity pay and leave is a minefield and many women continue to be confused. Here, our Workingmums.co.uk guide leads you through the baffling red tape and outlines your rights and the allowances for part-time, agency and fixed-term contract workers.

UK Maternity pay and leave

Maternity pay and leave is a minefield and many working mums continue to be confused

Information updated and correct as of April 2019.

What is statutory maternity pay?

Women are entitled to Statutory Maternity Pay (SMP) if they have been employed by their employer for a continuous period of at least 26 weeks ending with the 15th week before the expected week of childbirth [ie they must have become pregnant after they started the job and be still employed as of the end of the 26th week of their pregnancy], and if they have average weekly earnings in the eight weeks leading up to the 26th week of pregnancy of at least equal to the lower earnings limit for National Insurance contributions, which is currently £118 a week.

From April 2017 the standard rate of SMP is £148.68 a week (or 90% of your average weekly earnings if this is less than £148.68 a week).

For the first six weeks the rate is 90% of average weekly earnings with no maximum limit. The standard rate of SMP is reviewed every April.

SMP can be paid for up to 39 weeks; it is payable by the employer but partly (or, for small firms, wholly) reimbursed by the state.

The first 26 weeks of maternity leave are referred to as Ordinary Maternity Leave (OML). During this time women are entitled to the same contractual rights, including pension and holidays, that they would have enjoyed had they not been on leave.

Additional Maternity Leave (AML) is the second 26 weeks of maternity leave. This starts on the day after the OML period finishes.

Your employer does not have to offer you the same job when you return from AML if it isn’t practical but they do have to offer you appropriate similar employment.

You do not have to pay back SMP if you lose your job or resign after the 26th week of pregnancy/during your maternity leave. However, if you start a new job during maternity leave your SMP will stop from the week you start that job. You can do self employed work during maternity leave, though, without SMP being affected.

If for any reason you are not entitled to SMP, for instance, you work part-time and you do not earn over the £118 a week minimum needed for SMP, you can claim Maternity Allowance (currently £148.68 per week or 90% of your average gross weekly earnings (before tax) whichever is the smaller) via your local JobCentrePlus if you have worked for more than 26 weeks in the 66 weeks leading up to your baby’s due date and have earned at least £30 a week in any 13 weeks in this period.

You do not have to have worked the 26 weeks in the same job or continuously and self employed as well as employed work counts. Part weeks count as a full week.

Are temporary workers and those on fixed-term contracts entitled to SMP?

Many mums-to-be get confused because they don’t know whether they are entitled to SMP because they are working on temporary or fixed-term contracts.

Fixed-term or temporary workers are, however, entitled to maternity leave in the same way as permanent employees but there are some points to remember.

Some employees find that they need to make a claim for SMP after their contract has expired. A point that was raised in a question submitted to Workingmums.co.uk.

Advice from our expert said that the worker would have a right as long as they met the requirement for continuous service.

Confusion also abounds as to whether a worker is actually an employee or not, and entitled to company maternity pay.

Tracey Guest, head of employment and a partner at Slater Heelis Collier Littler, based in Manchester, says that an ‘employee’ has a different status for income tax and national insurance purposes than a self-employed person and what can confuse matters is that an employer may class a worker as temporary even though they have worked at the place of employment for years.

This is important because to claim SMP you need to prove that you have completed 26 weeks of continuous service and that your average earnings at the time are at least equal to the lower earnings limit for National Insurance contributions.

See Tracey’s advice.

Women who  aren’t classed as employees but are defined as workers – such as agency workers – may be entitled to Maternity Allowance. Guidance from Directgov stipulates that you can claim Maternity Allowance if you’re employed, but not eligible for SMP, you’re registered self-employed and paying Class two National Insurance Contributions (NICs), or hold a Small Earnings Exception certificate or you have recently been employed or self-employed.


The Seasons Art Class Franchise Opportunity

The Seasons Art Class run part time adult art classes throughout the country and are now expanding nationally through specially selected area licenses.

Request FREE Info NOW


Pregnant whilst on maternity leave – am I entitled to maternity pay?

Some women fall pregnant whilst they are still on maternity leave. The Trades Union Congress advises that maternity leave in this instance does not break your continuity of employment so your right to maternity leave for the new pregnancy will be based upon your total service with the employer.

You are also eligible for SMP as long as you meet the normal requirements.

You must give the same notice of your intention to take OML as you did the first time, that is by the end of the 15th week before your child is due and you must give your employer the information in writing if they request it.

Once you have given notice of the date that you intend the leave to begin on, you can subsequently change your mind and vary the date.

In this case you must notify your employer of the variation at least 28 days before the new date begins, or if this is not reasonably practicable, as soon as is reasonably practicable.

Be aware that eligibility for SMP is based on your average earnings during the eight weeks leading up to the 26th week of pregnancy so if you are in the unpaid part of your maternity leave you will not be eligible unless you return to work.

The TUC says that it is important that you physically go back into work for a period – even just one day – in order to maintain all of your rights.

Mums will, however, have the same rights as they would have received on returning from AML i.e. the right to return to the same job, or if that is not reasonably practicable, a suitable alternative job on similar terms and conditions.

Maternity Pay Entitlement from two part time jobs:

Some women work two or more roles. In this case you are allowed to claim maternity pay and leave from both employers.

You can get two lots of SMP if you are eligible and begin and end your maternity leave at different times for each job you qualify for SMP from. If you only qualify for SMP from one job, you cannot claim Maternity Allowance (MA) for the second job.

If you do not qualify for SMP from either job, but qualify for MA for the others, you can only get MA from one of your jobs. More information can be found here.

Refunding enhanced maternity pay:

Some employers offer company maternity pay that is better than SMP. Sometimes workers who choose not to return at the end of their maternity leave period are asked by the employer to refund their pay.

The TUC says this is only lawful if it was agreed in advance or specifically stated in a maternity policy. In these cases, you only have to pay back the extra contractual pay, not the SMP part of the maternity pay.

In our Workingmums case study, an employee requested to return to work part-time but was declined and told she had to return full time with the penalty of paying back her enhanced pay if they failed to do so. Advice from our legal expert shows that this can be fair.

Pregnancy-related discrimination:

Some workers are faced with redundancy and/or discrimination whilst pregnant. In a question on this subject, lawyer Helen Climance says that women need to be clear whether they are being treated less favourably because of their pregnancy. Read more about suspected pregnancy discrimination.

The TUC says that if you are dismissed while you are pregnant or during maternity leave, your employer must give you a written statement of the reasons for the dismissal. If you are unhappy with these reasons and you want to make a claim against your employer, or if you think you have experienced unfavourable treatment because of pregnancy or maternity, you should seek advice from a legal expert.

If you are made redundant whilst on maternity leave you must be offered first refusal on any suitable alternative employments. As with any redundancy the employer must follow the proper protocol on process and consultation for it to be lawful.

As long as you are employed after the 15th week before the expected week of childbirth you are entitled to maternity pay even if your employment ends.

You will also be entitled to notice pay on top of this. In cases where the business is insolvent the liability for SMP will be passed to the Secretary of State. Read more on maternity and redundancy.

Budgeting with a baby

If you are planning to or having to cut back to extend your maternity leave or are having trouble managing on SMP or Maternity Allowance you can try the Turn2Us charity which has information on any support you might be entitled to, including a benefits calculator, and the Money Advice Service also has some tips on budgeting for a baby.

It is important to contact an employment expert for specific questions related to maternity pay and case studies provided are given as examples only and need to be checked against current guidance.




Comments [742]

  • Anonymous says:

    Hello, my maternity leave will end in the end of March 2024 and my fixed term contract will be ending at the same time. I was entitled to SMP plus my company’s OMP as I said I will return to work after maternity leave but I don’t wish to return anymore. According to my company I need to pay back the Occupational Maternity Pay. If I plan to leave after maternity leave, do I still need to pay it back if my fixed term contract is ending?
    Thanks

  • Adelle Hossack says:

    Hi, I am currently on maternity leave. My statutory pay ends in June and I would like to know if it’s possible I could use some of my holiday entitlement once it ends and then take the unpaid maternity leave after that?

  • Sophie says:

    Hi I’m been on maternity Since November and I’m due back this week but my last wage is 140 quid down? What’s the reason for this?

    • Mandy Garner says:

      Hi Sophie,
      Are you talking about SMP? You need to check back to see if you have been paid for all the weeks you have been off. It sounds like you are either missing a week or were paid a week in advance from the start. Also are you going back midweek? If you have a concern you should ring the claims helpline at HMRC on 0300 200 3500.

  • Anna says:

    Does taking paid annual leave in the 8 weeks before taking maternity leave impact the rate of SMP granted if the AL hours are equivalent to the hours that would normally be worked?

    • Mandy Garner says:

      Taking paid leave will not impact on SMP. SMP is calculated based on average weekly earnings in the eight weeks leading up the end of the 26th week of pregnancy.

  • Anita V says:

    Hi! I made a contract with new company while getting SMP from another one. Does it mean im losing smp, even thou i havent started working for the new company? Can anyone answer this pls?

  • Dimpy Sinha says:

    Hi,

    I am just curious to know regarding the maternity benefits.
    I have a fixed term contract but the contract is with the Agency and not the client with whom i am working.
    So my salary is paid through the agency.
    Am i eligible for any maternity benefits if i complete the requested no of years with the agency

    • Mandy Garner says:

      Hi,
      If you started with the agency before you get pregnant and are still there as of the end of the 26th week of pregnancy and earn at least £112 a week in the 8 weeks leading up to the 26th week of pregnancy you should qualify for SMP.

  • Sophie says:

    Hi.
    I worked as a nurse in the NHS for 2 years and approx 3 months ago to work on the nurse bank (within the same trust) but it means I work when I want each week and not on a permanent contract.
    Am I still entitled to maternity pay?
    Also, if I were to go back to my permanent contract within the hospital do I have to follow their policies on maternity leave from when I started back on a permanent contract or will it be continuous as i have never left the NHS?

    Thank you

  • Jess says:

    Hi I have been an apprentice for 3 years whilst doing level 2 and 3 am I entitled to any sort of maternity pay if that by the time I have the baby I will have finished my apprenticeship?

  • Mel says:

    I started my new job 1st September 2016 I am on probation until April 2017 this year, I would like to have a baby but want to make sure I’m financially covered when would I be able to fall pregnant and get smp ?

    • Mandy Garner says:

      Hi Mel,
      If you are employed and still in your job as of the end of the 26th week of your pregnancy and earn an average of at least £112 a week in the eight weeks leading up to the end of the 26th week of pregnancy you should qualify for SMP. Being on probation will not affect SMP.

  • Shazz says:

    I’m 2r weeks pregnant and have finally found a job after years of searching and I can’t afford to turn it down. I know I won’t be entitled to smp but I’m not sure what I’m entitled too would I even get maternity leave?

  • Sheila says:

    Hi,
    Im back from my maternity in April, 6 months ago, and the thing is that I’ve got pregnant at the end of April so right now I’m 27 weeks pregnant. I work as a store manager in retail 40h and my HR manager just told me that I can not ask for another maternity pay because I have to be one year working in the company after the last maternity. I would like to know if there is something that I can reclaim or what the law says.
    Thank you in advance

    • Mandy Garner says:

      Hi Sheila,
      With regard to SMP this is not true. To qualify for SMP you simply have to have earned at least £112 a week on average in the eight weeks up to the 26th week of pregnancy. The HR manager may be speaking about enhanced pay and qualification for that would depend on the company policy.
      Best wishes,
      Mandy

  • Clair says:

    I have just received my last payment of SMP and I am now in the unpaid period of leave.
    Am I able to do part-time temporary work to cover me until I return, I don’t want to leave my daytime job but this would enable my partner to look after the children whilst I work evenings for a short while.
    I have childcare sorted for when I return to daytime work.

  • Claire hodgson says:

    I have a question, im currently on mat leave (started 28th jan) just received my first pay and its down by £183. Rang up to query and it is because my pay has been worked out on what i was getting paid at wk 15 during pregnancy at which time i was having a salary sacrifice of £210 for childcare vouchers. Before i finished for mat leave i reduced childcare vouchers to £10 as my toddler will be at home whilst im on mat leave. Becuase of these two factors my £183 has gone into cyber space and theres nothing i can do about it. At week 15 we didnt even know if i would be having the baby due to complications from 12 weeks and this was not sorted out until 20 weeks. Plus had i have know my mat pay woukd be worked on my wage then how could i reduce my childcare vouchers amount to £10 so eaely on when i woukd still be paying for childcare until i went on maternity 25 weeks later. I suppose what im asking is is there anyway i can at least get this money back into my childcare pot if not in my wage packet as over the next few months adds up to about £1000 which is a lot of money especially when got a new baby plus a toddler. So gutted. I had a very hard pregnancy from start to finish for various reasons so this is the icing on the cake

  • Amber says:

    Hi there I’ve been paid 26weeks maternity pay with my company but refusing to pay any more, am I entitled to the rest of leave from gov?

  • Anita says:

    Hi, I have recently returned to work after maternity leave and have found out from a friend that my company’s maternity policy was revised whilst I was on maternity leave. I was paid statatory maternity pay for the duration of my maternity leave. Another lady who went on maternity leave whilst I was on maternity leave is receiving an additional payment from the company of 90% of her regular wage for 6 months of her maternity leave. Am I entitled to be paid the same pay scheme/schedule? The company handbook where the old maternity policy is stated has not been updated. Any advice would be much appriciated as I feel I have missed out on alot of pay that others have received.

  • andrew says:

    Hi, my wife had a temporary contract working in a school for the council. The contract was set up for 10.5 months (18th Aug – 2nd July), but like most School jobs the council averaged her pay over 12 months (is that even legal?). The job ended as planned on 2nd July but as she is now pregnant she will receive SMP from them, but they have used her average monthly pay which is lower than it should have been due to averaging it over a longer period than the contract. Are they allowed to do this?

  • laura says:

    I have just found out im pregnant.
    I have been working withy company for 2 and a half years as a casual worker/non conract.
    I have worked the same shifts for the full time i have been here.

    I dont earn enough to pay NI or Tax will i be intitled to maternity pay?
    Thank you

  • annon says:

    HI,
    my husband and I are planning on starting a family soon. I have been working in the same job for over 3 years on a fixed term contract with no break in service. This contract finished in august next year (2016). If the contract is not renewed and I am therefore terminated whilst on maternity leave will I still get paid or will the maternity pay finish when my contract expires? if I am paid will this be a reduced amount?
    thank you for your help I’m finding it hard to find the answer.

  • Jessica says:

    I am working as an intern for a large financial firm at the moment, and will roll right into my permanent position with the company and the end of the internship and will be two months pregnant. I get paid through a third party that sponsors my visa during my internship, so I will not actually be on payroll with the company itself until the internship ends and I sign new papers immediately. I do currently get paid but it comes from the third party instead of straight from the business. Would I be covered for SMP?

    • Leah says:

      No you wouldn’t as you will already be pregnant when you start officially with the company. You will be entitled to Maternity Allowance from the government

  • Anonymous says:

    Hi, I've been in my job for 4 months but my husband and I are starting to plan our family. My employer said I am not allowed to take maternity leave until I have been in employment for two years, is this correct by UK Law? If so, am I okay to plan a pregnancy that should mean I am due have a baby a month or so after my first two years has finished?

    Editor: This is not correct at all. There are no qualifying times for maternity leave. For statutory maternity pay you just need to have been in the job before you get pregnant and to still be there by the end of the 26th week of your pregnancy and to have earned at least an average of £111 in the eight weeks leading up to the 26th week of your pregnancy.

  • Anonymous says:

    Hi ive been on maternity leave for five months. I am due to start a new job begining of april and have just givin my notice i will not be returning to my previous employment. Will i still be intitled to my march maternity pay.

    Editor: You should continue to get your SMP until the week you start your new job.

  • Anonymous says:

    I am about to start a new job. When I was offered the job and the preemployment checks were completed I had no idea I was pregnant, If I tell my new employer before I start can they then withdraw the job offer?

  • Anonymous says:

    I am about to start a new job. When I was offered the job and the preemployment checks were completed I had no idea I was pregnant, If I tell my new employer before I start can they then withdraw the job offer?

  • Anonymous says:

    I am about to start a new job. When I was offered the job and the preemployment checks were completed I had no idea I was pregnant, If I tell my new employer before I start can they then withdraw the job offer?

  • Anonymous says:

    hi
    I am planning to start my maternity leave early i.e when i am 25th week[15 weeks prior to my due date] …..will this effet my maternity pay

    Editor: You cannot normally start your maternity leave until 11 weeks before your due date ie your 29th week. Do you have any special reasons for doing so? To qualify for SMP you need to still be in your job until the end of the 26th week of pregnancy because the qualifying period is eight weeks up to and including the 26th week and SMP is based on your average weekly salary in those weeks.

  • Anonymous says:

    hi
    I am planning to start my maternity leave early i.e when i am 25th week[15 weeks prior to my due date] …..will this effet my maternity pay

    Editor: You cannot normally start your maternity leave until 11 weeks before your due date ie your 29th week. Do you have any special reasons for doing so? To qualify for SMP you need to still be in your job until the end of the 26th week of pregnancy because the qualifying period is eight weeks up to and including the 26th week and SMP is based on your average weekly salary in those weeks.

  • Anonymous says:

    Hi

    After 8 years working for my employer, I briefly left that role in August until November, before returning to the same post, where I am still permanently employed. However, I fell pregnant in September, with a due date in early June. My current and original employer thinks that this means that I am unable to get SMP because I've somehow started my job afresh (despite the 8+ years continuous work history before that). Is my employer right?

    Thanks.

    Editor: I'm afraid they are right. To satisfy the continuous employment rule you must have been employed by your employer for a continuous period of at least 26 weeks into the qualifying week.

     
  • Anonymous says:

    Hi

    After 8 years working for my employer, I briefly left that role in August until November, before returning to the same post, where I am still permanently employed. However, I fell pregnant in September, with a due date in early June. My current and original employer thinks that this means that I am unable to get SMP because I've somehow started my job afresh (despite the 8+ years continuous work history before that). Is my employer right?

    Thanks.

    Editor: I'm afraid they are right. To satisfy the continuous employment rule you must have been employed by your employer for a continuous period of at least 26 weeks into the qualifying week.

     
  • Anonymous says:

    Hi

    After 8 years working for my employer, I briefly left that role in August until November, before returning to the same post, where I am still permanently employed. However, I fell pregnant in September, with a due date in early June. My current and original employer thinks that this means that I am unable to get SMP because I've somehow started my job afresh (despite the 8+ years continuous work history before that). Is my employer right?

    Thanks.

    Editor: I'm afraid they are right. To satisfy the continuous employment rule you must have been employed by your employer for a continuous period of at least 26 weeks into the qualifying week.

     
  • Anonymous says:

    hi im 28 weeks pregnant baby due 2nd of june2015 i go on maternity leave on 2nd of may 2015 i only do 16 hours per week minimum wage will i be intitled to smp ? or not ive been working for the same company for 6 years some times have done more hours

    Editor: To qualify for SMP you must have earned an average of at least £111 a week in the eight weeks leading up to your 26th week of pregnancy. If not, you should apply for Maternity Allowance.

  • Anonymous says:

    hi im 28 weeks pregnant baby due 2nd of june2015 i go on maternity leave on 2nd of may 2015 i only do 16 hours per week minimum wage will i be intitled to smp ? or not ive been working for the same company for 6 years some times have done more hours

    Editor: To qualify for SMP you must have earned an average of at least £111 a week in the eight weeks leading up to your 26th week of pregnancy. If not, you should apply for Maternity Allowance.

  • Anonymous says:

    hi im 28 weeks pregnant baby due 2nd of june2015 i go on maternity leave on 2nd of may 2015 i only do 16 hours per week minimum wage will i be intitled to smp ? or not ive been working for the same company for 6 years some times have done more hours

    Editor: To qualify for SMP you must have earned an average of at least £111 a week in the eight weeks leading up to your 26th week of pregnancy. If not, you should apply for Maternity Allowance.

  • Anonymous says:

    Hi. If you qualify for maternity allowance but not SMP should you get paid for bank holidays that occurred during maternity leave as well as outstanding annual leave days? Thanks.

  • Anonymous says:

    Hi. If you qualify for maternity allowance but not SMP should you get paid for bank holidays that occurred during maternity leave as well as outstanding annual leave days? Thanks.

    Editor: https://www.workingmums.co.uk/maternity-leave-and-bank-holidays/

  • Anonymous says:

    Hi. If you qualify for maternity allowance but not SMP should you get paid for bank holidays that occurred during maternity leave as well as outstanding annual leave days? Thanks.

  • Anonymous says:

    Hi, im confused by the whole 26week ordinary and 26weeks additional maternity?! I started my maternity beginning of nov 2014 so roughly when would i be due to go back as i dont wanna go back early if i dont have to as i dont wanna miss out on any of my little boys 1st's.

    Editor: You can have up to 52 weeks off, but after the first 26 weeks you have fewer rights on return, for instance, you do not necessarily have the right to return to your original job if there is a good business reason why it is not available, but you would be entitled to return to a suitable alternative. You must give your employer due warning of eight weeks' notice if you wish to change your return date – see https://www.gov.uk/maternity-pay-leave/leave

  • Anonymous says:

    Hello, i am currently on maternity leave from my job within the NHS, I am receiving SMP only as hadn't worked long enough to receive the maternity pay. When leaving I also advised them I would not be returning to my position once my mat leave ends. I have now found out I am pregnant again, does the weeks I have been on SMP from my employer count towards the 26 weeks I need for maternity allowance? Thank you

    Editor: They do as you are still employed during this time.

  • Anonymous says:

    Hello, i am currently on maternity leave from my job within the NHS, I am receiving SMP only as hadn't worked long enough to receive the maternity pay. When leaving I also advised them I would not be returning to my position once my mat leave ends. I have now found out I am pregnant again, does the weeks I have been on SMP from my employer count towards the 26 weeks I need for maternity allowance? Thank you

    Editor: They do as you are still employed during this time.

  • Anonymous says:

    Hiya I had my baby 8 months ago and havent had any mertinty pay wat so ever I didn't no u could get it unless it was through work.

    Editor: You can get Maternity Allowance if you are self employed or employed but do not reach the earnings limit for SMP. However, MA can only be backdated up to three months after the birth.

  • Anonymous says:

    Hiya I had my baby 8 months ago and havent had any mertinty pay wat so ever I didn't no u could get it unless it was through work.

    Editor: You can get Maternity Allowance if you are self employed or employed but do not reach the earnings limit for SMP. However, MA can only be backdated up to three months after the birth.

  • Anonymous says:

    Hi. I have worked for my employer for 9 years. I am in a sales role, and receive commission on a quarterly basis after hitting a threshold, I then get 25% of the remaining profit as commi ssion. I have looked at a lot of articles but I am finding it all very vague. Our quarter ends at the end of Feb 15, and then I will receive my commission in my March pay. Does this affect the first 6 weeks 90% pay I receive?

    Also I have started new deals but if I am on maternity leave and these are closed whilst I'm off can I make a claim for the commission? I won't have a threshold as they aren't paying me anything over statutory, so therefore should I negotiate a deal before I go on leave? Is there anything to legally cover me or help me with this? My baby is due mid April 15, I'm taking all of my holiday entitlement before this, and planning to take 9 months maternity in total (plus the month holiday I am taking up to the due date). I don't want to miss out on commission that I would have received if I was working and not on maternity leave. I have one account that has agreed to work with me, but the deal won't be signed until after I'm off. I am expecting the same thing in a couple of other accounts. I have an agreed area that only I cover, a company car, laptop, phone.
    Any advice would be appreciated. Thank you.

    Editor: If you get a commission paid within the eight weeks leading up to the 26th week of your pregnancy it will count towards SMP, but it would have to be in the pay check you get in those eight weeks. SMP is based on average weekly gross pay in the set period. Contractual bonuses or commissions which are performance related will more than likely be classed as remuneration and are therefore not payable during OML unless they relate to work done prior to, or following, maternity leave. Employers can therefore pro rata any contractual bonus or commission payments to reflect the period of absence on maternity leave. The compulsory two-week period of maternity leave cannot be pro-rated and any bonus or commission must be paid in full for that period.

  • Anonymous says:

    Hi i'm wondering if you can help me, i have been on maternity leave for 39 weeks due to go back in february but i have found out that i am 11 weeks pregnant again. I have wrote to my employer stating that i am due back. I found out however that my old employer had left and it has changed companies so i wrote to them again again asking if i still had a job to return to or whether i hqve been made redundant because of the change over. I still haven't heard anything from them and its coming upto a month now. I don't know where i stand or whether i'm entitled to jsa as i need a letter from them confirming my redundantcy if thats the case but i'm having no luck with the old or current employers. I have no money in and can't find helpful information anywhere. Thank you for your time.

    Editor: Can you go into work and ask? They are more likely to have to respond if you talk to them face to face than in emails, etc. You have certain rights with regard to redundancy, the same as if you were in work, so they would have to consult you about redundancy and give you due notice – see https://www.gov.uk/redundant-your-rights/overview

  • Anonymous says:

    Hi I will have worked with the nhs for 2 years in April i started working for a different trust in June 2014 and my baby is due March 2015 am I entitled to statutory maternity pay?

    Editor: Were you pregnant before you started the new job and is the trust your employer ie they pay your salary, etc?

  • Anonymous says:

    Hi I will have worked with the nhs for 2 years in April i started working for a different trust in June 2014 and my baby is due March 2015 am I entitled to statutory maternity pay?

    Editor: Were you pregnant before you started the new job and is the trust your employer ie they pay your salary, etc?

  • Anonymous says:

    Hi I will have worked with the nhs for 2 years in April i started working for a different trust in June 2014 and my baby is due March 2015 am I entitled to statutory maternity pay?

    Editor: Were you pregnant before you started the new job and is the trust your employer ie they pay your salary, etc?

  • Anonymous says:

    Hi,
    I'm a teacher and took both SMP and CMP.
    I requested to return to my job on a part time basis but this was not viable. I have resigned from my post but have been offered to cover someone on a part time basis as a temporary post.
    Do I still have to refund my contractual maternity pay as I'm returning for longer than 13 weeks even if it's part time?

    Editor: It should be okay, but you need to check the wording of your school's CMP policy as each policy varies.

  • Anonymous says:

    Hi,
    I'm a teacher and took both SMP and CMP.
    I requested to return to my job on a part time basis but this was not viable. I have resigned from my post but have been offered to cover someone on a part time basis as a temporary post.
    Do I still have to refund my contractual maternity pay as I'm returning for longer than 13 weeks even if it's part time?

    Editor: It should be okay, but you need to check the wording of your school's CMP policy as each policy varies.

  • Anonymous says:

    Hi,
    I'm a teacher and took both SMP and CMP.
    I requested to return to my job on a part time basis but this was not viable. I have resigned from my post but have been offered to cover someone on a part time basis as a temporary post.
    Do I still have to refund my contractual maternity pay as I'm returning for longer than 13 weeks even if it's part time?

    Editor: It should be okay, but you need to check the wording of your school's CMP policy as each policy varies.

  • Anonymous says:

    hi im currently on mat leave from my full time only job if i was to start another job part time will my mat pay automatically stop like with out anybody telling me or do i have to inform my employer for them to stop it~?>

    Editor: You would have to inform HMRC as they would find out eventually due to NI contributions and tax and you will have to repay any SMP paid subsequently. SMP will stop the week you start a new job.

  • Anonymous says:

    hi im currently on mat leave from my full time only job if i was to start another job part time will my mat pay automatically stop like with out anybody telling me or do i have to inform my employer for them to stop it~?>

    Editor: You would have to inform HMRC as they would find out eventually due to NI contributions and tax and you will have to repay any SMP paid subsequently. SMP will stop the week you start a new job.

  • Anonymous says:

    hi im currently on mat leave from my full time only job if i was to start another job part time will my mat pay automatically stop like with out anybody telling me or do i have to inform my employer for them to stop it~?>

    Editor: You would have to inform HMRC as they would find out eventually due to NI contributions and tax and you will have to repay any SMP paid subsequently. SMP will stop the week you start a new job.

  • Anonymous says:

    Hi, my maternity leave ends on 8/3/15. I am taking my accrued annual leave from 9/3/15 to 12/4/15 and was wondering whether or not I am entitled to continue receiving my maternity allowance until the end of my annual leave.

    Editor: Your MA would stop when you go back to work and being on leave would be considered being back to work as you would be paid for annual leave. Could you not extend your maternity leave and then add the leave on top of that extension?

  • Anonymous says:

    Hi, my maternity leave ends on 8/3/15. I am taking my accrued annual leave from 9/3/15 to 12/4/15 and was wondering whether or not I am entitled to continue receiving my maternity allowance until the end of my annual leave.

    Editor: Your MA would stop when you go back to work and being on leave would be considered being back to work as you would be paid for annual leave. Could you not extend your maternity leave and then add the leave on top of that extension?

  • Anonymous says:

    Hi, my maternity leave ends on 8/3/15. I am taking my accrued annual leave from 9/3/15 to 12/4/15 and was wondering whether or not I am entitled to continue receiving my maternity allowance until the end of my annual leave.

    Editor: Your MA would stop when you go back to work and being on leave would be considered being back to work as you would be paid for annual leave. Could you not extend your maternity leave and then add the leave on top of that extension?

  • Anonymous says:

    Hi,

    My wife is getting SMP from her employer, however she started another job with the NHS which she failed to qualify. she however plans to return back to work for her NHS job two months after giving birth. Is she entitled to continue receiving SMP from the other job, even though she will be on full salary on her NHS job. she has also made her mind up not to return to the old job where she is getting SMP.

    Editor: Is the NHS job her second job? For how long has she been doing that job? If before the 26th week of her pregnancy she can go back to work without it affecting the SMP from her other job.

  • Anonymous says:

    Hi,

    My wife is getting SMP from her employer, however she started another job with the NHS which she failed to qualify. she however plans to return back to work for her NHS job two months after giving birth. Is she entitled to continue receiving SMP from the other job, even though she will be on full salary on her NHS job. she has also made her mind up not to return to the old job where she is getting SMP.

    Editor: Is the NHS job her second job? For how long has she been doing that job? If before the 26th week of her pregnancy she can go back to work without it affecting the SMP from her other job.

  • Anonymous says:

    Hi,

    My wife is getting SMP from her employer, however she started another job with the NHS which she failed to qualify. she however plans to return back to work for her NHS job two months after giving birth. Is she entitled to continue receiving SMP from the other job, even though she will be on full salary on her NHS job. she has also made her mind up not to return to the old job where she is getting SMP.

    Editor: Is the NHS job her second job? For how long has she been doing that job? If before the 26th week of her pregnancy she can go back to work without it affecting the SMP from her other job.

  • Anonymous says:

    Hi, I started to work on 16/10/2014, found out that I was pregnant shortly after that with due date 21/06/15. I am working 2 weeks in a month, but on permanent contract. I know I won't get SMP, but don't know if I qualify for Maternity Allowance. Do I need to count all the weeks that I will actually work or weeks that I will be employed for (so continously from October 2014)? Please give me some advice. Thank you.

    Editor: For MA you have to have worked for 26 weeks in the 66 weeks before your due date. A part of a week if you work part time counts as a week.

  • Anonymous says:

    Hi, I am currently on maternity leave with an NHS employer. I started with them in July last year and my maternity leave commenced in November last year. Initially, I was informed that I qualify for full maternity pay for 8 weeks and then half pay plus smp for the rest of my maternity leave. Just after I commenced my maternity leave, I was informed that I do not qualify for smp and have to apply for maternity allowance which I did using the documents our pay roll sent to me. To cut a long story short, my work place decided that I am now entitled to smp. I don't know what to do. Is it possible to ask them not to pay me smp so as to receive maternity allowance which is paid 2 weekly? I don't know if this will affect the rest of my pay for the remains part of my maternity leave.

    Editor: SMP tends to be more than MA so I would stick with the SMP, but ask them how they will sort out the problems over MA since it is their fault that you are in this situation or you could ring your local HMRC office and explain what has happened.

  • Anonymous says:

    Hi, I started to work on 16/10/2014, found out that I was pregnant shortly after that with due date 21/06/15. I am working 2 weeks in a month, but on permanent contract. I know I won't get SMP, but don't know if I qualify for Maternity Allowance. Do I need to count all the weeks that I will actually work or weeks that I will be employed for (so continously from October 2014)? Please give me some advice. Thank you.

    Editor: For MA you have to have worked for 26 weeks in the 66 weeks before your due date. A part of a week if you work part time counts as a week.

  • Anonymous says:

    Hi, I am currently on maternity leave with an NHS employer. I started with them in July last year and my maternity leave commenced in November last year. Initially, I was informed that I qualify for full maternity pay for 8 weeks and then half pay plus smp for the rest of my maternity leave. Just after I commenced my maternity leave, I was informed that I do not qualify for smp and have to apply for maternity allowance which I did using the documents our pay roll sent to me. To cut a long story short, my work place decided that I am now entitled to smp. I don't know what to do. Is it possible to ask them not to pay me smp so as to receive maternity allowance which is paid 2 weekly? I don't know if this will affect the rest of my pay for the remains part of my maternity leave.

    Editor: SMP tends to be more than MA so I would stick with the SMP, but ask them how they will sort out the problems over MA since it is their fault that you are in this situation or you could ring your local HMRC office and explain what has happened.

  • Anonymous says:

    Hi, I started to work on 16/10/2014, found out that I was pregnant shortly after that with due date 21/06/15. I am working 2 weeks in a month, but on permanent contract. I know I won't get SMP, but don't know if I qualify for Maternity Allowance. Do I need to count all the weeks that I will actually work or weeks that I will be employed for (so continously from October 2014)? Please give me some advice. Thank you.

    Editor: For MA you have to have worked for 26 weeks in the 66 weeks before your due date. A part of a week if you work part time counts as a week.

  • Anonymous says:

    Hi, I am currently on maternity leave with an NHS employer. I started with them in July last year and my maternity leave commenced in November last year. Initially, I was informed that I qualify for full maternity pay for 8 weeks and then half pay plus smp for the rest of my maternity leave. Just after I commenced my maternity leave, I was informed that I do not qualify for smp and have to apply for maternity allowance which I did using the documents our pay roll sent to me. To cut a long story short, my work place decided that I am now entitled to smp. I don't know what to do. Is it possible to ask them not to pay me smp so as to receive maternity allowance which is paid 2 weekly? I don't know if this will affect the rest of my pay for the remains part of my maternity leave.

    Editor: SMP tends to be more than MA so I would stick with the SMP, but ask them how they will sort out the problems over MA since it is their fault that you are in this situation or you could ring your local HMRC office and explain what has happened.

  • Anonymous says:

    Hi, my wife has two jobs. One full time and one part time. She will be getting SMP from her full time job but we are not sure whether she qualifies for SMP for her second job due to low weekly income. My question is this – If she doesn't qualify for SMP for her second job, can she claim maternity allowance for that job even if she is getting SMP from the other? Thanks.

    Editor: I'm afraid you cannot get both SMP and MA at the same time, although you can get two lots of SMP, if you qualify.

  • Anonymous says:

    Hi im currently on maternity leave my baby is 6 months and im due to return to work around april as im taking 9 months off, i somehow feel i am not going to be able to return and feel i need off 12 months if this is the case will my maternity leave money stop? If so am i entitled to anything else…i am currently in reciet of working and child tax thankyou in advance

    Editor: If you are changing the date of your return you must give due notice of eight weeks. The last three months of a 52-week period of maternity leave are unpaid. To check if you qualify for any other benefit, visit http://www.turn2us.org.uk

  • Anonymous says:

    Hi, my wife has two jobs. One full time and one part time. She will be getting SMP from her full time job but we are not sure whether she qualifies for SMP for her second job due to low weekly income. My question is this – If she doesn't qualify for SMP for her second job, can she claim maternity allowance for that job even if she is getting SMP from the other? Thanks.

    Editor: I'm afraid you cannot get both SMP and MA at the same time, although you can get two lots of SMP, if you qualify.

  • Anonymous says:

    Hi im currently on maternity leave my baby is 6 months and im due to return to work around april as im taking 9 months off, i somehow feel i am not going to be able to return and feel i need off 12 months if this is the case will my maternity leave money stop? If so am i entitled to anything else…i am currently in reciet of working and child tax thankyou in advance

    Editor: If you are changing the date of your return you must give due notice of eight weeks. The last three months of a 52-week period of maternity leave are unpaid. To check if you qualify for any other benefit, visit http://www.turn2us.org.uk

  • Anonymous says:

    Hi, my wife has two jobs. One full time and one part time. She will be getting SMP from her full time job but we are not sure whether she qualifies for SMP for her second job due to low weekly income. My question is this – If she doesn't qualify for SMP for her second job, can she claim maternity allowance for that job even if she is getting SMP from the other? Thanks.

    Editor: I'm afraid you cannot get both SMP and MA at the same time, although you can get two lots of SMP, if you qualify.

  • Anonymous says:

    Hi im currently on maternity leave my baby is 6 months and im due to return to work around april as im taking 9 months off, i somehow feel i am not going to be able to return and feel i need off 12 months if this is the case will my maternity leave money stop? If so am i entitled to anything else…i am currently in reciet of working and child tax thankyou in advance

    Editor: If you are changing the date of your return you must give due notice of eight weeks. The last three months of a 52-week period of maternity leave are unpaid. To check if you qualify for any other benefit, visit http://www.turn2us.org.uk

  • Anonymous says:

    Hello, I have a part time job for 5 years, my maternity pay just finished, but I cant return to work yet, my maternity leave finishes on 20th of March. Am I entitled to anything till then or will it affect our tax credits? Thank you.

    Editor: It sounds as if you are in the unpaid part of your maternity leave. You can find out if there are any benefits you can apply for at http://www.turn2us.org.uk.

  • Anonymous says:

    Hello, I have a part time job for 5 years, my maternity pay just finished, but I cant return to work yet, my maternity leave finishes on 20th of March. Am I entitled to anything till then or will it affect our tax credits? Thank you.

    Editor: It sounds as if you are in the unpaid part of your maternity leave. You can find out if there are any benefits you can apply for at http://www.turn2us.org.uk.

  • Anonymous says:

    Hello, I have a part time job for 5 years, my maternity pay just finished, but I cant return to work yet, my maternity leave finishes on 20th of March. Am I entitled to anything till then or will it affect our tax credits? Thank you.

    Editor: It sounds as if you are in the unpaid part of your maternity leave. You can find out if there are any benefits you can apply for at http://www.turn2us.org.uk.

  • Anonymous says:

    Hi I am due to return to work from maternity leave mid January. My employer has informed me that there is currently no work so I will have to wait unpaid until there is until I can return to work. Can they do this and do I have any rights? I can't afford to wait unpaid until they get work my colleagues have been waiting unpaid for 3 months now.

    Editor: Can you write in via our Advice and Support/Q & A page box giving more details of what you do and why your colleagues have not been paid for three months?

  • Anonymous says:

    Hi I am due to return to work from maternity leave mid January. My employer has informed me that there is currently no work so I will have to wait unpaid until there is until I can return to work. Can they do this and do I have any rights? I can't afford to wait unpaid until they get work my colleagues have been waiting unpaid for 3 months now.

    Editor: Can you write in via our Advice and Support/Q & A page box giving more details of what you do and why your colleagues have not been paid for three months?

  • Anonymous says:

    Hi I am due to return to work from maternity leave mid January. My employer has informed me that there is currently no work so I will have to wait unpaid until there is until I can return to work. Can they do this and do I have any rights? I can't afford to wait unpaid until they get work my colleagues have been waiting unpaid for 3 months now.

    Editor: Can you write in via our Advice and Support/Q & A page box giving more details of what you do and why your colleagues have not been paid for three months?

  • Anonymous says:

    Hi, my daughter is in her last year at University and will graduate in July 2015. She has just had her pregnancy confirmed and the baby is due 13 August 2015. As well as being at Uni she is working on a self-employed basis in between studies. Will she be able to claim any Maternity benefit/allowance from anywhere?

    Editor: If she has been working as self employed for 26 weeks in the 66 weeks leading up to her baby's due date and paying Class 2 NI contributions and has earned at least £30 in any 13 weels in those 66 weeks she should qualify for Maternity Allowance which can be claimed via her local JobCentre Plus.

  • Anonymous says:

    Hi, my daughter is in her last year at University and will graduate in July 2015. She has just had her pregnancy confirmed and the baby is due 13 August 2015. As well as being at Uni she is working on a self-employed basis in between studies. Will she be able to claim any Maternity benefit/allowance from anywhere?

    Editor: If she has been working as self employed for 26 weeks in the 66 weeks leading up to her baby's due date and paying Class 2 NI contributions and has earned at least £30 in any 13 weels in those 66 weeks she should qualify for Maternity Allowance which can be claimed via her local JobCentre Plus.

  • Anonymous says:

    Hi, my daughter is in her last year at University and will graduate in July 2015. She has just had her pregnancy confirmed and the baby is due 13 August 2015. As well as being at Uni she is working on a self-employed basis in between studies. Will she be able to claim any Maternity benefit/allowance from anywhere?

    Editor: If she has been working as self employed for 26 weeks in the 66 weeks leading up to her baby's due date and paying Class 2 NI contributions and has earned at least £30 in any 13 weels in those 66 weeks she should qualify for Maternity Allowance which can be claimed via her local JobCentre Plus.

  • Anonymous says:

    my employer hasn't paid me my SMP which was due over a week ago. I have complied with all the SMP notification requirements ie notifying my employer, in writing, that I was pregnant and my EDC and also supplied a MATB1. however my employer just keeps saying he'll talk to his accountant. I'm really frustrated with the situation and also this is causing financial difficulty especially as its Christmas time. what do you advise that I do?

    Editor: 

    If you think that your employer has made a mistake or you are having difficulties with your employer paying SMP you should write to your employer or make a formal complaint. If you and your employer do not agree, you can ask your local HM Revenue and Customs Officer to make a formal decision. You must apply within 6 months. If HMRC order your employer to pay your SMP, your employer can be fined for failure to pay it. You can also make a claim in an employment tribunal for unlawful deduction of wages if your employer does not pay all or part of your SMP. You must make a tribunal claim within 3 months.

  • Anonymous says:

    my employer hasn't paid me my SMP which was due over a week ago. I have complied with all the SMP notification requirements ie notifying my employer, in writing, that I was pregnant and my EDC and also supplied a MATB1. however my employer just keeps saying he'll talk to his accountant. I'm really frustrated with the situation and also this is causing financial difficulty especially as its Christmas time. what do you advise that I do?

    Editor: 

    If you think that your employer has made a mistake or you are having difficulties with your employer paying SMP you should write to your employer or make a formal complaint. If you and your employer do not agree, you can ask your local HM Revenue and Customs Officer to make a formal decision. You must apply within 6 months. If HMRC order your employer to pay your SMP, your employer can be fined for failure to pay it. You can also make a claim in an employment tribunal for unlawful deduction of wages if your employer does not pay all or part of your SMP. You must make a tribunal claim within 3 months.

  • Anonymous says:

    my employer hasn't paid me my SMP which was due over a week ago. I have complied with all the SMP notification requirements ie notifying my employer, in writing, that I was pregnant and my EDC and also supplied a MATB1. however my employer just keeps saying he'll talk to his accountant. I'm really frustrated with the situation and also this is causing financial difficulty especially as its Christmas time. what do you advise that I do?

    Editor: 

    If you think that your employer has made a mistake or you are having difficulties with your employer paying SMP you should write to your employer or make a formal complaint. If you and your employer do not agree, you can ask your local HM Revenue and Customs Officer to make a formal decision. You must apply within 6 months. If HMRC order your employer to pay your SMP, your employer can be fined for failure to pay it. You can also make a claim in an employment tribunal for unlawful deduction of wages if your employer does not pay all or part of your SMP. You must make a tribunal claim within 3 months.

  • Anonymous says:

    my daughters maternity pay had stopped ..will her working tax credits also stop ?

    Editor: Is she still on maternity leave and does she intend to go back to work? Are you talking about Working Tax Credit? see https://www.gov.uk/working-tax-credit/further-information

  • Anonymous says:

    my daughters maternity pay had stopped ..will her working tax credits also stop ?

    Editor: Is she still on maternity leave and does she intend to go back to work? Are you talking about Working Tax Credit? see https://www.gov.uk/working-tax-credit/further-information

  • Anonymous says:

    my daughters maternity pay had stopped ..will her working tax credits also stop ?

    Editor: Is she still on maternity leave and does she intend to go back to work? Are you talking about Working Tax Credit? see https://www.gov.uk/working-tax-credit/further-information

  • Anonymous says:

    Help! I have been offered a new job (my dream job) starting on 19th January 2015 but by that stage I will be 27 weeks pregnant, due in April. I don't quality for SMP with my current employer as I have only been here three months but can you please answer the following for me?

    1. I have not yet told them I am pregnant but plan to on my first day. Am i still entitled to maternity leave?
    2. will i still be entitled to maternity allowance?
    3. legally, am I doing anything wrong?

    Editor: You should tell your employer around 15 weeks before your due date to qualify for maternity leave – see https://www.gov.uk/maternity-pay-leave/how-to-claim. It is probaby a good idea to tell your new employer before you start so they are aware and do not feel aggrieved that you have not informed them. If you have worked for 26 weeks in the 66 weeks before your due date and earned at least £30 in any 13-week period in those 66 weeks you should qualify for MA.

  • Anonymous says:

    Help! I have been offered a new job (my dream job) starting on 19th January 2015 but by that stage I will be 27 weeks pregnant, due in April. I don't quality for SMP with my current employer as I have only been here three months but can you please answer the following for me?

    1. I have not yet told them I am pregnant but plan to on my first day. Am i still entitled to maternity leave?
    2. will i still be entitled to maternity allowance?
    3. legally, am I doing anything wrong?

    Editor: You should tell your employer around 15 weeks before your due date to qualify for maternity leave – see https://www.gov.uk/maternity-pay-leave/how-to-claim. It is probaby a good idea to tell your new employer before you start so they are aware and do not feel aggrieved that you have not informed them. If you have worked for 26 weeks in the 66 weeks before your due date and earned at least £30 in any 13-week period in those 66 weeks you should qualify for MA.

  • Anonymous says:

    Help! I have been offered a new job (my dream job) starting on 19th January 2015 but by that stage I will be 27 weeks pregnant, due in April. I don't quality for SMP with my current employer as I have only been here three months but can you please answer the following for me?

    1. I have not yet told them I am pregnant but plan to on my first day. Am i still entitled to maternity leave?
    2. will i still be entitled to maternity allowance?
    3. legally, am I doing anything wrong?

    Editor: You should tell your employer around 15 weeks before your due date to qualify for maternity leave – see https://www.gov.uk/maternity-pay-leave/how-to-claim. It is probaby a good idea to tell your new employer before you start so they are aware and do not feel aggrieved that you have not informed them. If you have worked for 26 weeks in the 66 weeks before your due date and earned at least £30 in any 13-week period in those 66 weeks you should qualify for MA.

  • Anonymous says:

    I am due to return to work at the end of December. I have been on mat leave for 1 year. If I don't go back but fall pregnant within the next couple of months, would I be entitled to Maternity Allowance for this pregnancy? My SMP stopped around the of beginning October. I have accrued holidays which could keep me in service to mid Feb but I'm not sure if my employer will allow me to do this – they may just want to pay it and end my employment sooner if I resign.

    Editor: To qualify for MA you would need to have been employed for at least 26 of the 66 weeks leading up to the baby's due date and being on maternity leave would count towards this. You would also need to have earned at least £30 a week in any 13-week period within the 66 weeks.

     

  • Anonymous says:

    I am due to return to work at the end of December. I have been on mat leave for 1 year. If I don't go back but fall pregnant within the next couple of months, would I be entitled to Maternity Allowance for this pregnancy? My SMP stopped around the of beginning October. I have accrued holidays which could keep me in service to mid Feb but I'm not sure if my employer will allow me to do this – they may just want to pay it and end my employment sooner if I resign.

    Editor: To qualify for MA you would need to have been employed for at least 26 of the 66 weeks leading up to the baby's due date and being on maternity leave would count towards this. You would also need to have earned at least £30 a week in any 13-week period within the 66 weeks.

     

  • Anonymous says:

    I am due to return to work at the end of December. I have been on mat leave for 1 year. If I don't go back but fall pregnant within the next couple of months, would I be entitled to Maternity Allowance for this pregnancy? My SMP stopped around the of beginning October. I have accrued holidays which could keep me in service to mid Feb but I'm not sure if my employer will allow me to do this – they may just want to pay it and end my employment sooner if I resign.

    Editor: To qualify for MA you would need to have been employed for at least 26 of the 66 weeks leading up to the baby's due date and being on maternity leave would count towards this. You would also need to have earned at least £30 a week in any 13-week period within the 66 weeks.

     

  • Anonymous says:

    Hi I work 16 hours a week at the minute and I am 18 weeks pregnant, iv been offered the same job but doing 40 hours a week, will I be entitled to maternity pay for the 40 hours a week or will I just get it for the 16 hours a week? Iv been in my job for just over a year.

    Editor: SMP is based on your average weekly earnings over the eight weeks before your 26th week of pregnancy so if you start the 40 hours before the 26th week it will go into the calculations about the average.

  • Anonymous says:

    Hi I work 16 hours a week at the minute and I am 18 weeks pregnant, iv been offered the same job but doing 40 hours a week, will I be entitled to maternity pay for the 40 hours a week or will I just get it for the 16 hours a week? Iv been in my job for just over a year.

    Editor: SMP is based on your average weekly earnings over the eight weeks before your 26th week of pregnancy so if you start the 40 hours before the 26th week it will go into the calculations about the average.

  • Anonymous says:

    Hi I work 16 hours a week at the minute and I am 18 weeks pregnant, iv been offered the same job but doing 40 hours a week, will I be entitled to maternity pay for the 40 hours a week or will I just get it for the 16 hours a week? Iv been in my job for just over a year.

    Editor: SMP is based on your average weekly earnings over the eight weeks before your 26th week of pregnancy so if you start the 40 hours before the 26th week it will go into the calculations about the average.

  • Anonymous says:

    Hi im off at maternity allowance till 4 march but i can't possible back to work because i have baby and 3 kids 10y 7y and 5y! And dont have anyone look after my kids!if i no back to work imneed pay back maternity allowance?

    Editor: You do not have to pay back MA if you do not return to work.

  • Anonymous says:

    I did't don't job I have a baby girl last week . Can They pay matanity to me if I apply can you please tell me what's the options I did't do any job now a day …….

    Editor: If you have not worked recently you will not qualify for SMP or Maternity Allowance. For MA you must have been employed or self employed for at least 26 weeks in the 66 weeks before your baby's due date. Contact http://www.turn2us.org.uk to find out if there is any financial support available.

  • Anonymous says:

    Hi im off at maternity allowance till 4 march but i can't possible back to work because i have baby and 3 kids 10y 7y and 5y! And dont have anyone look after my kids!if i no back to work imneed pay back maternity allowance?

    Editor: You do not have to pay back MA if you do not return to work.

  • Anonymous says:

    I did't don't job I have a baby girl last week . Can They pay matanity to me if I apply can you please tell me what's the options I did't do any job now a day …….

    Editor: If you have not worked recently you will not qualify for SMP or Maternity Allowance. For MA you must have been employed or self employed for at least 26 weeks in the 66 weeks before your baby's due date. Contact http://www.turn2us.org.uk to find out if there is any financial support available.

  • Anonymous says:

    Hi im off at maternity allowance till 4 march but i can't possible back to work because i have baby and 3 kids 10y 7y and 5y! And dont have anyone look after my kids!if i no back to work imneed pay back maternity allowance?

    Editor: You do not have to pay back MA if you do not return to work.

  • Anonymous says:

    I did't don't job I have a baby girl last week . Can They pay matanity to me if I apply can you please tell me what's the options I did't do any job now a day …….

    Editor: If you have not worked recently you will not qualify for SMP or Maternity Allowance. For MA you must have been employed or self employed for at least 26 weeks in the 66 weeks before your baby's due date. Contact http://www.turn2us.org.uk to find out if there is any financial support available.

  • Anonymous says:

    Hi
    I have been on long term sick for six months after knee surgery
    I am six weeks pregnant and would like some advice about whether there is a possibility
    Of me being dismissed and whether I will receive maternity pay or not

    Editor: In terms of maternity pay, you may not qualify for SMP as it is based on your average weekly earnings in the eight weeks leading up to your 26th week of pregnancy. If you are on SSP you may not be earning enough – an average of £111 a week – to qualify, unless you return to work before the qualifying period. You should qualify for Maternity Allowance. For this you need to be employed or self employed for 26 weeks in the 66 weeks before your baby's due date and to earn at least £30 in any 13-week period during the 66 weeks. In terms of dismissal, see https://www.gov.uk/dismissal/reasons-you-can-be-dismissed

  • Anonymous says:

    Hi
    I have been on long term sick for six months after knee surgery
    I am six weeks pregnant and would like some advice about whether there is a possibility
    Of me being dismissed and whether I will receive maternity pay or not

    Editor: In terms of maternity pay, you may not qualify for SMP as it is based on your average weekly earnings in the eight weeks leading up to your 26th week of pregnancy. If you are on SSP you may not be earning enough – an average of £111 a week – to qualify, unless you return to work before the qualifying period. You should qualify for Maternity Allowance. For this you need to be employed or self employed for 26 weeks in the 66 weeks before your baby's due date and to earn at least £30 in any 13-week period during the 66 weeks. In terms of dismissal, see https://www.gov.uk/dismissal/reasons-you-can-be-dismissed

  • Anonymous says:

    Hi
    I have been on long term sick for six months after knee surgery
    I am six weeks pregnant and would like some advice about whether there is a possibility
    Of me being dismissed and whether I will receive maternity pay or not

    Editor: In terms of maternity pay, you may not qualify for SMP as it is based on your average weekly earnings in the eight weeks leading up to your 26th week of pregnancy. If you are on SSP you may not be earning enough – an average of £111 a week – to qualify, unless you return to work before the qualifying period. You should qualify for Maternity Allowance. For this you need to be employed or self employed for 26 weeks in the 66 weeks before your baby's due date and to earn at least £30 in any 13-week period during the 66 weeks. In terms of dismissal, see https://www.gov.uk/dismissal/reasons-you-can-be-dismissed

  • Anonymous says:

    Hi
    I have been working part-time for over a year since returning from maternity leave. My company has recently been taken over and I have been asked ever since by my new employer, when am i returning back full-time. What are my rights on this? I felt pressured to put my child in nursery for 2 days, but since have had a change of heart before my child started at the nursery. I now have to tell my employer I no longer can commit to returning another day and instead wish to remain working 3.

    Editor: Were your part-time hours agreed as part of a flexible working request? If so they are a permanent change to your contract and if your employer wants to change them they must consult with you and gain your agreement.

  • Anonymous says:

    Hi
    I have been working part-time for over a year since returning from maternity leave. My company has recently been taken over and I have been asked ever since by my new employer, when am i returning back full-time. What are my rights on this? I felt pressured to put my child in nursery for 2 days, but since have had a change of heart before my child started at the nursery. I now have to tell my employer I no longer can commit to returning another day and instead wish to remain working 3.

    Editor: Were your part-time hours agreed as part of a flexible working request? If so they are a permanent change to your contract and if your employer wants to change them they must consult with you and gain your agreement.

  • Anonymous says:

    Hi
    I have been working part-time for over a year since returning from maternity leave. My company has recently been taken over and I have been asked ever since by my new employer, when am i returning back full-time. What are my rights on this? I felt pressured to put my child in nursery for 2 days, but since have had a change of heart before my child started at the nursery. I now have to tell my employer I no longer can commit to returning another day and instead wish to remain working 3.

    Editor: Were your part-time hours agreed as part of a flexible working request? If so they are a permanent change to your contract and if your employer wants to change them they must consult with you and gain your agreement.

  • Anonymous says:

    Hi, I've been working for a holiday company abroad for the last 5 years on seasonal contracts usually around 7-9 months of work each year. My contract ended on 27th October 2014 & I've just found out I'm pregnant and due in June. As I'm a seasonal contract i don't think my employer will pay any form of maternity as my contract has ended now but as i'm not working at the minute does that also mean i'm not entitled to SMP? And if i get another job now (if anyone will take me on knowing im pregnant) will i be able to get any help with maternity pay?

    Editor: You should be entitled to Maternity Allowance which you can claim via your local JobCentre Plus – see https://www.gov.uk/maternity-allowance/overview. To qualify for SMP you have to have continuous employment with the same employer from just before you got pregnant to at least the 26th week of your pregnancy.

  • Anonymous says:

    Hi, I've been working for a holiday company abroad for the last 5 years on seasonal contracts usually around 7-9 months of work each year. My contract ended on 27th October 2014 & I've just found out I'm pregnant and due in June. As I'm a seasonal contract i don't think my employer will pay any form of maternity as my contract has ended now but as i'm not working at the minute does that also mean i'm not entitled to SMP? And if i get another job now (if anyone will take me on knowing im pregnant) will i be able to get any help with maternity pay?

    Editor: You should be entitled to Maternity Allowance which you can claim via your local JobCentre Plus – see https://www.gov.uk/maternity-allowance/overview. To qualify for SMP you have to have continuous employment with the same employer from just before you got pregnant to at least the 26th week of your pregnancy.

  • Anonymous says:

    Hi, I've been working for a holiday company abroad for the last 5 years on seasonal contracts usually around 7-9 months of work each year. My contract ended on 27th October 2014 & I've just found out I'm pregnant and due in June. As I'm a seasonal contract i don't think my employer will pay any form of maternity as my contract has ended now but as i'm not working at the minute does that also mean i'm not entitled to SMP? And if i get another job now (if anyone will take me on knowing im pregnant) will i be able to get any help with maternity pay?

    Editor: You should be entitled to Maternity Allowance which you can claim via your local JobCentre Plus – see https://www.gov.uk/maternity-allowance/overview. To qualify for SMP you have to have continuous employment with the same employer from just before you got pregnant to at least the 26th week of your pregnancy.

  • Anonymous says:

    Hi iv been working with my employer for a year and I'm due to have my second child in may, I only work 3 days a week and on average earn 108 a week, I was reading on the goverment website that my employer does not have to pay me maternity pay in less on average I earn 111 a week, I read that I may be able to get it through the goverment but I'm worried my husband will earn too much and I won't be entitled to any maternity pay, can you shed any light on this for me as im really confused? Thank you 🙂

    Editor: If you do not earn an average of at least £111 a week in the eight weeks leading up to the 26th week of your pregnancy, you would not qualify for SMP. However, you could claim Maternity Allowance via your local JobCentre Plus.

  • Anonymous says:

    Hi iv been working with my employer for a year and I'm due to have my second child in may, I only work 3 days a week and on average earn 108 a week, I was reading on the goverment website that my employer does not have to pay me maternity pay in less on average I earn 111 a week, I read that I may be able to get it through the goverment but I'm worried my husband will earn too much and I won't be entitled to any maternity pay, can you shed any light on this for me as im really confused? Thank you 🙂

    Editor: If you do not earn an average of at least £111 a week in the eight weeks leading up to the 26th week of your pregnancy, you would not qualify for SMP. However, you could claim Maternity Allowance via your local JobCentre Plus.

  • Anonymous says:

    Hi iv been working with my employer for a year and I'm due to have my second child in may, I only work 3 days a week and on average earn 108 a week, I was reading on the goverment website that my employer does not have to pay me maternity pay in less on average I earn 111 a week, I read that I may be able to get it through the goverment but I'm worried my husband will earn too much and I won't be entitled to any maternity pay, can you shed any light on this for me as im really confused? Thank you 🙂

    Editor: If you do not earn an average of at least £111 a week in the eight weeks leading up to the 26th week of your pregnancy, you would not qualify for SMP. However, you could claim Maternity Allowance via your local JobCentre Plus.

  • Anonymous says:

    Hi I'm on smp at the moment and wanting to do my 10 kit days, will my smp stop and will my employer expect me to go back full time?

    Editor: KIT days are for keeping in touch while on maternity leave. You will not lose SMP through doing KIT days and you will not be expected to end your maternity leave.

  • Anonymous says:

    Hi I'm on smp at the moment and wanting to do my 10 kit days, will my smp stop and will my employer expect me to go back full time?

    Editor: KIT days are for keeping in touch while on maternity leave. You will not lose SMP through doing KIT days and you will not be expected to end your maternity leave.

  • Anonymous says:

    Hi I'm on smp at the moment and wanting to do my 10 kit days, will my smp stop and will my employer expect me to go back full time?

    Editor: KIT days are for keeping in touch while on maternity leave. You will not lose SMP through doing KIT days and you will not be expected to end your maternity leave.

  • Anonymous says:

    Hi, If I get a part time job (couple of evenings a week) whilst on maternity leave from my full time job, would I still be entitled to my SMP?

    Editor: I'm afraid that your SMP would stop the week you start any new paid job.

  • Anonymous says:

    Hi, If I get a part time job (couple of evenings a week) whilst on maternity leave from my full time job, would I still be entitled to my SMP?

    Editor: I'm afraid that your SMP would stop the week you start any new paid job.

  • Anonymous says:

    Hi, If I get a part time job (couple of evenings a week) whilst on maternity leave from my full time job, would I still be entitled to my SMP?

    Editor: I'm afraid that your SMP would stop the week you start any new paid job.

  • Anonymous says:

    Hi I have recently started a banking job on the 07/14 I dont get many hours a month, I have just found out I am pregnant and I am now out on sick. How many weeks do I need to be working to get SMP and can you get it if your only bank staff. if not are there any other options.

    Editor: To qualify for SMP you need to have been with the same employer from just before you got pregnant to at least the end of the 26th week of your pregnancy and to have earnt at least an average of £111 a week in the eight weeks before the 26th week of your pregnancy. Otherwise you should apply for Maternity Allowance via your local JobCentre Plus – see https://www.gov.uk/maternity-allowance/overview

  • Anonymous says:

    Hi I have recently started a banking job on the 07/14 I dont get many hours a month, I have just found out I am pregnant and I am now out on sick. How many weeks do I need to be working to get SMP and can you get it if your only bank staff. if not are there any other options.

    Editor: To qualify for SMP you need to have been with the same employer from just before you got pregnant to at least the end of the 26th week of your pregnancy and to have earnt at least an average of £111 a week in the eight weeks before the 26th week of your pregnancy. Otherwise you should apply for Maternity Allowance via your local JobCentre Plus – see https://www.gov.uk/maternity-allowance/overview

  • Anonymous says:

    Hi I have recently started a banking job on the 07/14 I dont get many hours a month, I have just found out I am pregnant and I am now out on sick. How many weeks do I need to be working to get SMP and can you get it if your only bank staff. if not are there any other options.

    Editor: To qualify for SMP you need to have been with the same employer from just before you got pregnant to at least the end of the 26th week of your pregnancy and to have earnt at least an average of £111 a week in the eight weeks before the 26th week of your pregnancy. Otherwise you should apply for Maternity Allowance via your local JobCentre Plus – see https://www.gov.uk/maternity-allowance/overview

  • Anonymous says:

    Hi,
    I'm the first person at my company to have a baby so we have no official maternity policy in place. I have been told I will receive 4 months full pay during maternity leave but should I then receive SMP for the remainder of the first 39 weeks of leave?

    Editor: That's quite a good maternity package. SMP is usually six weeks at 90% of salary then 33 weeks at the statutory rate. Your company appear to have topped this up, which many do. It's called contractual maternity pay or enhanced maternity pay. 

  • Anonymous says:

    Hi,
    I'm the first person at my company to have a baby so we have no official maternity policy in place. I have been told I will receive 4 months full pay during maternity leave but should I then receive SMP for the remainder of the first 39 weeks of leave?

    Editor: That's quite a good maternity package. SMP is usually six weeks at 90% of salary then 33 weeks at the statutory rate. Your company appear to have topped this up, which many do. It's called contractual maternity pay or enhanced maternity pay. 

  • Anonymous says:

    Hi,
    I'm the first person at my company to have a baby so we have no official maternity policy in place. I have been told I will receive 4 months full pay during maternity leave but should I then receive SMP for the remainder of the first 39 weeks of leave?

    Editor: That's quite a good maternity package. SMP is usually six weeks at 90% of salary then 33 weeks at the statutory rate. Your company appear to have topped this up, which many do. It's called contractual maternity pay or enhanced maternity pay. 

  • Anonymous says:

    Hi
    I went on maternity leave from my teaching post in April and had my baby in May. My contract came to an end of the 31st August. I have received SMP and a payslip for September – is this right.. am I entitled to SMP and for how long? MY payslip said I was still employed by my school (even though I have had a P45 and confirmation that my contract has ended)
    I am concerned that they will ask for it back- don't want to spend it if that is the case.

    Editor: You should go straight onto maternity pay once you start maternity leave, if you qualify. To qualify you need to have been at the school before you got pregnant and to still be employed by then past the 26th week of your pregnancy and also to have earned at least £111 a week on average in the eight weeks leading up to the 26th week of pregnancy. SMP lasts for 39 weeks. You would not get your salary and SMP at the same time from the job you are claiming SMP from. You should query all of this with your employer therefore as you may well have to pay back money.

  • Anonymous says:

    I took one year maternity leave (52 weeks). I started this January going back next year. After october, i shall have unpaid maternity leave until January. Mine I allowed to do any paid jobs during that time before i return to work?

    Editor: You would not lose SMP as your SMP would have finished, but you should check your contract to see if you need to inform your employer.

  • Anonymous says:

    Hi
    I went on maternity leave from my teaching post in April and had my baby in May. My contract came to an end of the 31st August. I have received SMP and a payslip for September – is this right.. am I entitled to SMP and for how long? MY payslip said I was still employed by my school (even though I have had a P45 and confirmation that my contract has ended)
    I am concerned that they will ask for it back- don't want to spend it if that is the case.

    Editor: You should go straight onto maternity pay once you start maternity leave, if you qualify. To qualify you need to have been at the school before you got pregnant and to still be employed by then past the 26th week of your pregnancy and also to have earned at least £111 a week on average in the eight weeks leading up to the 26th week of pregnancy. SMP lasts for 39 weeks. You would not get your salary and SMP at the same time from the job you are claiming SMP from. You should query all of this with your employer therefore as you may well have to pay back money.

  • Anonymous says:

    I took one year maternity leave (52 weeks). I started this January going back next year. After october, i shall have unpaid maternity leave until January. Mine I allowed to do any paid jobs during that time before i return to work?

    Editor: You would not lose SMP as your SMP would have finished, but you should check your contract to see if you need to inform your employer.

  • Anonymous says:

    Hi
    I went on maternity leave from my teaching post in April and had my baby in May. My contract came to an end of the 31st August. I have received SMP and a payslip for September – is this right.. am I entitled to SMP and for how long? MY payslip said I was still employed by my school (even though I have had a P45 and confirmation that my contract has ended)
    I am concerned that they will ask for it back- don't want to spend it if that is the case.

    Editor: You should go straight onto maternity pay once you start maternity leave, if you qualify. To qualify you need to have been at the school before you got pregnant and to still be employed by then past the 26th week of your pregnancy and also to have earned at least £111 a week on average in the eight weeks leading up to the 26th week of pregnancy. SMP lasts for 39 weeks. You would not get your salary and SMP at the same time from the job you are claiming SMP from. You should query all of this with your employer therefore as you may well have to pay back money.

  • Anonymous says:

    I took one year maternity leave (52 weeks). I started this January going back next year. After october, i shall have unpaid maternity leave until January. Mine I allowed to do any paid jobs during that time before i return to work?

    Editor: You would not lose SMP as your SMP would have finished, but you should check your contract to see if you need to inform your employer.

  • Anonymous says:

    Hi there. I suppose to come back from my full (52 weeks) Maternity Leave 15th of September. Now I am seriously thinking to resign as childcare appeared too expensive. I know that I have accrued 31.5 days of paid Holidays during my Maternity Leave. In case of resignation am I gaining any money compensation for unused Holidays? As I know they don;t have a policy of money compensation for un-taken Holidays. Many thanks.

    Editor: see https://www.gov.uk/holiday-entitlement-rights/taking-holiday-before-leaving-a-job

  • Anonymous says:

    Hi there. I suppose to come back from my full (52 weeks) Maternity Leave 15th of September. Now I am seriously thinking to resign as childcare appeared too expensive. I know that I have accrued 31.5 days of paid Holidays during my Maternity Leave. In case of resignation am I gaining any money compensation for unused Holidays? As I know they don;t have a policy of money compensation for un-taken Holidays. Many thanks.

    Editor: see https://www.gov.uk/holiday-entitlement-rights/taking-holiday-before-leaving-a-job

  • Anonymous says:

    Hi there. I suppose to come back from my full (52 weeks) Maternity Leave 15th of September. Now I am seriously thinking to resign as childcare appeared too expensive. I know that I have accrued 31.5 days of paid Holidays during my Maternity Leave. In case of resignation am I gaining any money compensation for unused Holidays? As I know they don;t have a policy of money compensation for un-taken Holidays. Many thanks.

    Editor: see https://www.gov.uk/holiday-entitlement-rights/taking-holiday-before-leaving-a-job

  • Anonymous says:

    Hi thank you for your.reply, so even if I have handed.in my notice.from September but should have given them the month of October for.leaving I should still get all 9 months.pay?

    Editor: Yes, if you are talking about SMP.

  • Anonymous says:

    Hi thank you for your.reply, so even if I have handed.in my notice.from September but should have given them the month of October for.leaving I should still get all 9 months.pay?

    Editor: Yes, if you are talking about SMP.

  • Anonymous says:

    Hi thank you for your.reply, so even if I have handed.in my notice.from September but should have given them the month of October for.leaving I should still get all 9 months.pay?

    Editor: Yes, if you are talking about SMP.

  • Anonymous says:

    Hi my names vicki, I am currently on statutory maternity leave, however at the start of my maternity leave I gave the wrong date for returning back to work I I was meant to return in October this year but I calculated it wrong and.said I was going back in September, I have.only.just realised and have handed my notice in already, will I still get paid for 9 months or will it end in September when I have handed my notice.in
    Thanks

    Vicki

    Editor: If it is SMP you should get all of your 39 weeks whatever happens during your maternity leave, ie if you resign.

  • Anonymous says:

    Hi my names vicki, I am currently on statutory maternity leave, however at the start of my maternity leave I gave the wrong date for returning back to work I I was meant to return in October this year but I calculated it wrong and.said I was going back in September, I have.only.just realised and have handed my notice in already, will I still get paid for 9 months or will it end in September when I have handed my notice.in
    Thanks

    Vicki

    Editor: If it is SMP you should get all of your 39 weeks whatever happens during your maternity leave, ie if you resign.

  • Anonymous says:

    Hi my names vicki, I am currently on statutory maternity leave, however at the start of my maternity leave I gave the wrong date for returning back to work I I was meant to return in October this year but I calculated it wrong and.said I was going back in September, I have.only.just realised and have handed my notice in already, will I still get paid for 9 months or will it end in September when I have handed my notice.in
    Thanks

    Vicki

    Editor: If it is SMP you should get all of your 39 weeks whatever happens during your maternity leave, ie if you resign.

  • Anonymous says:

    Thanks very much for the quick reply! So to re-confirm: even when spousal income is taken into account, there is no tax penalty from HMRC for taking MA? Thank you very much!

    Editor: Do you mean implications for your partner as your employer? Maternity pay does not take into account spousal earnings. MA is not taxable, while SMP is – see http://www.hmrc.gov.uk/incometax/taxable-income.htm

  • Anonymous says:

    Thanks very much for the quick reply! So to re-confirm: even when spousal income is taken into account, there is no tax penalty from HMRC for taking MA? Thank you very much!

    Editor: Do you mean implications for your partner as your employer? Maternity pay does not take into account spousal earnings. MA is not taxable, while SMP is – see http://www.hmrc.gov.uk/incometax/taxable-income.htm

  • Anonymous says:

    Thanks very much for the quick reply! So to re-confirm: even when spousal income is taken into account, there is no tax penalty from HMRC for taking MA? Thank you very much!

    Editor: Do you mean implications for your partner as your employer? Maternity pay does not take into account spousal earnings. MA is not taxable, while SMP is – see http://www.hmrc.gov.uk/incometax/taxable-income.htm

  • Anonymous says:

    Hi, I have three related questions: 1) does my spouse's income have any impact on the level of SMP/MA paid to me or 2)on my ability to claim either of these? 3) Are there tax penalties associated with claiming MA/SMP if my spouse has an income? My employer may not be able to pay SMP so I am considering MA, but would like to know if my spouse's income will be taken into consideration by SMP/MA or by HMRC. Many thanks!

    Editor: Maternity pay is not related to spouse income.

  • Anonymous says:

    Hi, I have three related questions: 1) does my spouse's income have any impact on the level of SMP/MA paid to me or 2)on my ability to claim either of these? 3) Are there tax penalties associated with claiming MA/SMP if my spouse has an income? My employer may not be able to pay SMP so I am considering MA, but would like to know if my spouse's income will be taken into consideration by SMP/MA or by HMRC. Many thanks!

    Editor: Maternity pay is not related to spouse income.

  • Anonymous says:

    Hi, I have three related questions: 1) does my spouse's income have any impact on the level of SMP/MA paid to me or 2)on my ability to claim either of these? 3) Are there tax penalties associated with claiming MA/SMP if my spouse has an income? My employer may not be able to pay SMP so I am considering MA, but would like to know if my spouse's income will be taken into consideration by SMP/MA or by HMRC. Many thanks!

    Editor: Maternity pay is not related to spouse income.

  • Anonymous says:

    Hello.

    I am working full time for one employer and have been working for a couple of years for another employer on an hourly paid contracts. I have not done any work in the qualifying week for anther employer but would like to do some work for them whilst receiving an SMP from the permanent employment. Is in this case my second employer classed as a new employer or not?

    Thank you.

    Editor: What is the nature of your second job? Do you work continuously or just from time to time on temporary jobs? When did you last work for them?

  • Anonymous says:

    Hello.

    I am working full time for one employer and have been working for a couple of years for another employer on an hourly paid contracts. I have not done any work in the qualifying week for anther employer but would like to do some work for them whilst receiving an SMP from the permanent employment. Is in this case my second employer classed as a new employer or not?

    Thank you.

    Editor: What is the nature of your second job? Do you work continuously or just from time to time on temporary jobs? When did you last work for them?

  • Anonymous says:

    Hello.

    I am working full time for one employer and have been working for a couple of years for another employer on an hourly paid contracts. I have not done any work in the qualifying week for anther employer but would like to do some work for them whilst receiving an SMP from the permanent employment. Is in this case my second employer classed as a new employer or not?

    Thank you.

    Editor: What is the nature of your second job? Do you work continuously or just from time to time on temporary jobs? When did you last work for them?

  • Anonymous says:

    Hi

    I am currently pregnant. I work part time 22hours a week, but I am also a full time student. I have been in my job for 4 years. Can you tell me if I will be entitled to maternity pay. As I will be due back at university whilst on leave.

    Editor: To qualify for SMP you need to have become pregnant after you started your job and be still empoyed by the 26th week of pregnancy and to be earning at least an average of £111 in the eight weeks leading up to the 26th week. Otherwise, you may qualify for Maternity Allowance – see https://www.gov.uk/maternity-allowance/overview. Do you get a Student Loan? You will need to inform your student loan company of your pregnancy if you are taking time out.

  • Anonymous says:

    Hi

    I am currently pregnant. I work part time 22hours a week, but I am also a full time student. I have been in my job for 4 years. Can you tell me if I will be entitled to maternity pay. As I will be due back at university whilst on leave.

    Editor: To qualify for SMP you need to have become pregnant after you started your job and be still empoyed by the 26th week of pregnancy and to be earning at least an average of £111 in the eight weeks leading up to the 26th week. Otherwise, you may qualify for Maternity Allowance – see https://www.gov.uk/maternity-allowance/overview. Do you get a Student Loan? You will need to inform your student loan company of your pregnancy if you are taking time out.

  • Anonymous says:

    Hi

    I am currently pregnant. I work part time 22hours a week, but I am also a full time student. I have been in my job for 4 years. Can you tell me if I will be entitled to maternity pay. As I will be due back at university whilst on leave.

    Editor: To qualify for SMP you need to have become pregnant after you started your job and be still empoyed by the 26th week of pregnancy and to be earning at least an average of £111 in the eight weeks leading up to the 26th week. Otherwise, you may qualify for Maternity Allowance – see https://www.gov.uk/maternity-allowance/overview. Do you get a Student Loan? You will need to inform your student loan company of your pregnancy if you are taking time out.

  • Anonymous says:

    Hi i am 21 weeks pregnant .. when i am at work my feet really hurts so i want to stay on maternity leave.Can i start taking my maternity leave or not?

    Editor: Usually the earliest you can take your maternity leave is 11 weeks before your due date. Have you spoken to your manager about the situation and found ways around it eg if you are on your feet a lot have more regular rests.

  • Anonymous says:

    Hi i am 21 weeks pregnant .. when i am at work my feet really hurts so i want to stay on maternity leave.Can i start taking my maternity leave or not?

    Editor: Usually the earliest you can take your maternity leave is 11 weeks before your due date. Have you spoken to your manager about the situation and found ways around it eg if you are on your feet a lot have more regular rests.

  • Anonymous says:

    Hi i am 21 weeks pregnant .. when i am at work my feet really hurts so i want to stay on maternity leave.Can i start taking my maternity leave or not?

    Editor: Usually the earliest you can take your maternity leave is 11 weeks before your due date. Have you spoken to your manager about the situation and found ways around it eg if you are on your feet a lot have more regular rests.

  • Anonymous says:

    Replying to the above post I am 38 weeks pregnant and due on 20th June. Since my new company provides just OMP and that does not include SMP am I allowed to claim SMP as well from my previous employment who I was working for when I became pregnant?

    Editor: Were you still in your previous job after the 26th week of your pregnancy? You have to be there until at least the 26th week to qualify for SMP. Otherwise you can apply for Maternity Allowance via your local JobCentre Plus.

  • Anonymous says:

    Hi I started a new position 1 month ago and my employer provides OMP for 30 weeks at full pay and 9 weeks at the current statutory rate. They have advised I am not entitled to SMP but my previous employer who I was continuously working for 15 weeks may still have to pay me SMP is this correct as I don't want to claim for something I'm not entitled too? To be clear my current employer have sent me an SMP1 as they don't claim back any SMP from the OMP they provide. If you could clear this up I'd be much appreciated!

    Editor: How many weeks' pregnant are you? To qualify for SMP you would have to have got pregnant after your started your job [or have got pregnant in your previous job if you are claiming from them] and to still be with the company by the 26th week of pregnancy. If not, you should be eligible for Maternity Allowance, which you can claim through your local JobCentre Plus.

  • Anonymous says:

    Replying to the above post I am 38 weeks pregnant and due on 20th June. Since my new company provides just OMP and that does not include SMP am I allowed to claim SMP as well from my previous employment who I was working for when I became pregnant?

    Editor: Were you still in your previous job after the 26th week of your pregnancy? You have to be there until at least the 26th week to qualify for SMP. Otherwise you can apply for Maternity Allowance via your local JobCentre Plus.

  • Anonymous says:

    Hi I started a new position 1 month ago and my employer provides OMP for 30 weeks at full pay and 9 weeks at the current statutory rate. They have advised I am not entitled to SMP but my previous employer who I was continuously working for 15 weeks may still have to pay me SMP is this correct as I don't want to claim for something I'm not entitled too? To be clear my current employer have sent me an SMP1 as they don't claim back any SMP from the OMP they provide. If you could clear this up I'd be much appreciated!

    Editor: How many weeks' pregnant are you? To qualify for SMP you would have to have got pregnant after your started your job [or have got pregnant in your previous job if you are claiming from them] and to still be with the company by the 26th week of pregnancy. If not, you should be eligible for Maternity Allowance, which you can claim through your local JobCentre Plus.

  • Anonymous says:

    Replying to the above post I am 38 weeks pregnant and due on 20th June. Since my new company provides just OMP and that does not include SMP am I allowed to claim SMP as well from my previous employment who I was working for when I became pregnant?

    Editor: Were you still in your previous job after the 26th week of your pregnancy? You have to be there until at least the 26th week to qualify for SMP. Otherwise you can apply for Maternity Allowance via your local JobCentre Plus.

  • Anonymous says:

    Hi I started a new position 1 month ago and my employer provides OMP for 30 weeks at full pay and 9 weeks at the current statutory rate. They have advised I am not entitled to SMP but my previous employer who I was continuously working for 15 weeks may still have to pay me SMP is this correct as I don't want to claim for something I'm not entitled too? To be clear my current employer have sent me an SMP1 as they don't claim back any SMP from the OMP they provide. If you could clear this up I'd be much appreciated!

    Editor: How many weeks' pregnant are you? To qualify for SMP you would have to have got pregnant after your started your job [or have got pregnant in your previous job if you are claiming from them] and to still be with the company by the 26th week of pregnancy. If not, you should be eligible for Maternity Allowance, which you can claim through your local JobCentre Plus.

  • Anonymous says:

    What a great website, the Gov one is so confusing.

    My questions are; I have two part time jobs, I earn over the minimum amount per week and have been employed by my 2nd job since 28th Sept 2013 (baby is due 7th Nov 2014).

    Also is the minimum earnings amount calculated before or after tax?

    Will I be entitled to SMP from both jobs and will they both be at 39 weeks?
    Also can I stagger when I take my leave as I'm struggling to do both, I want to stop the 2nd job as soon as possible and believe my qualifying week is 20th July – I would then stop my 1st job around 2 months later and obviously return to both with the same gap?

    Editor: If you qualify for SMP for both jobs [it is based on your gross take home pay in the qualifying period ie before tax] you will get 39 weeks maternity pay from each job and you can start your maternity periods at different times. However, generally you cannot start your maternity leave more than 11 weeks before your due date.

  • Anonymous says:

    What a great website, the Gov one is so confusing.

    My questions are; I have two part time jobs, I earn over the minimum amount per week and have been employed by my 2nd job since 28th Sept 2013 (baby is due 7th Nov 2014).

    Also is the minimum earnings amount calculated before or after tax?

    Will I be entitled to SMP from both jobs and will they both be at 39 weeks?
    Also can I stagger when I take my leave as I'm struggling to do both, I want to stop the 2nd job as soon as possible and believe my qualifying week is 20th July – I would then stop my 1st job around 2 months later and obviously return to both with the same gap?

    Editor: If you qualify for SMP for both jobs [it is based on your gross take home pay in the qualifying period ie before tax] you will get 39 weeks maternity pay from each job and you can start your maternity periods at different times. However, generally you cannot start your maternity leave more than 11 weeks before your due date.

  • Anonymous says:

    What a great website, the Gov one is so confusing.

    My questions are; I have two part time jobs, I earn over the minimum amount per week and have been employed by my 2nd job since 28th Sept 2013 (baby is due 7th Nov 2014).

    Also is the minimum earnings amount calculated before or after tax?

    Will I be entitled to SMP from both jobs and will they both be at 39 weeks?
    Also can I stagger when I take my leave as I'm struggling to do both, I want to stop the 2nd job as soon as possible and believe my qualifying week is 20th July – I would then stop my 1st job around 2 months later and obviously return to both with the same gap?

    Editor: If you qualify for SMP for both jobs [it is based on your gross take home pay in the qualifying period ie before tax] you will get 39 weeks maternity pay from each job and you can start your maternity periods at different times. However, generally you cannot start your maternity leave more than 11 weeks before your due date.

  • Anonymous says:

    Hi, I am 24 weeks pregnant and for the last 4 weeks have been off work due to sickness which has been un paid. My hr department has agreed I can use my holiday to cover this last month but its too late in the month to sort it so will have to go onto next month's pay, problem is this month pay will effect my maternity pay so I dont know what to do.

    Editor: You will have to sort this out with your payroll as your take home pay in the actual period is what is used to calculate SMP.

  • Anonymous says:

    Hi, I am 24 weeks pregnant and for the last 4 weeks have been off work due to sickness which has been un paid. My hr department has agreed I can use my holiday to cover this last month but its too late in the month to sort it so will have to go onto next month's pay, problem is this month pay will effect my maternity pay so I dont know what to do.

    Editor: You will have to sort this out with your payroll as your take home pay in the actual period is what is used to calculate SMP.

  • Anonymous says:

    Hi, I am 24 weeks pregnant and for the last 4 weeks have been off work due to sickness which has been un paid. My hr department has agreed I can use my holiday to cover this last month but its too late in the month to sort it so will have to go onto next month's pay, problem is this month pay will effect my maternity pay so I dont know what to do.

    Editor: You will have to sort this out with your payroll as your take home pay in the actual period is what is used to calculate SMP.

  • Anonymous says:

    Hi, I think I will only get maternity allowance not smp as I starty job on 13th jan and am due 30th September. It feels wrong that despite paying NI and tax for over 13yrs of continuous employement (I have changed jobs but no gaps in service) that I don't get smp but someone who may have been in their first job but hits the magic 26wk rule at current employer is fine. Why can't hmrc take into account previouse employment if you can prove no break in service? !!?

  • Anonymous says:

    Hi i am on maternity leave from 24.08.13 ,in november i realise then i am pregnet. My baby due is on 03.09.14 today i spoke with my employer and i heard then mayby i not qualify for another SMP? If i use all my holiday from this year before baby will born that could get my earings better and qualify for Smp?

    Editor: To qualify for SMP you would need to be earning at least £109 a week in the eight weeks leading up to the 26th week of your pregnancy. You could add holiday onto the end of your maternity leave, but it has to be in the eight-week period, which might mean you have to return to work after your holiday is finished and before your next baby is born. The earliest you can begin your second maternity leave is 11 weeks before the due date. If you don't qualify for SMP, you should get Maternity Allowance – see https://www.gov.uk/maternity-allowance

  • Anonymous says:

    Hi, I think I will only get maternity allowance not smp as I starty job on 13th jan and am due 30th September. It feels wrong that despite paying NI and tax for over 13yrs of continuous employement (I have changed jobs but no gaps in service) that I don't get smp but someone who may have been in their first job but hits the magic 26wk rule at current employer is fine. Why can't hmrc take into account previouse employment if you can prove no break in service? !!?

  • Anonymous says:

    Hi i am on maternity leave from 24.08.13 ,in november i realise then i am pregnet. My baby due is on 03.09.14 today i spoke with my employer and i heard then mayby i not qualify for another SMP? If i use all my holiday from this year before baby will born that could get my earings better and qualify for Smp?

    Editor: To qualify for SMP you would need to be earning at least £109 a week in the eight weeks leading up to the 26th week of your pregnancy. You could add holiday onto the end of your maternity leave, but it has to be in the eight-week period, which might mean you have to return to work after your holiday is finished and before your next baby is born. The earliest you can begin your second maternity leave is 11 weeks before the due date. If you don't qualify for SMP, you should get Maternity Allowance – see https://www.gov.uk/maternity-allowance

  • Anonymous says:

    Hi, I think I will only get maternity allowance not smp as I starty job on 13th jan and am due 30th September. It feels wrong that despite paying NI and tax for over 13yrs of continuous employement (I have changed jobs but no gaps in service) that I don't get smp but someone who may have been in their first job but hits the magic 26wk rule at current employer is fine. Why can't hmrc take into account previouse employment if you can prove no break in service? !!?

  • Anonymous says:

    Hi i am on maternity leave from 24.08.13 ,in november i realise then i am pregnet. My baby due is on 03.09.14 today i spoke with my employer and i heard then mayby i not qualify for another SMP? If i use all my holiday from this year before baby will born that could get my earings better and qualify for Smp?

    Editor: To qualify for SMP you would need to be earning at least £109 a week in the eight weeks leading up to the 26th week of your pregnancy. You could add holiday onto the end of your maternity leave, but it has to be in the eight-week period, which might mean you have to return to work after your holiday is finished and before your next baby is born. The earliest you can begin your second maternity leave is 11 weeks before the due date. If you don't qualify for SMP, you should get Maternity Allowance – see https://www.gov.uk/maternity-allowance

  • Anonymous says:

    Hi, im on maternity leave now and due back on 3rd September. Ive just found out im 6 weeks pregnant so due beginning of January. Id like to know whether I should go back Sept or earlier? If I go back Sept and leave at Xmas then ive been back work for 16 wks so would I be entitled to smp or ma?

    Editor: SMP is calculated based on your average weekly earnings in the eight weeks leading up to the 26th week of your pregnancy so if you go back in September that will be in the middle of the calculation period so your average will be affected. You need to be earning an average of £109 a week to qualify for SMP. In terms of earnings your best bet is to go back just before the 18th week of your pregnancy.

  • Anonymous says:

    Hi, im on maternity leave now and due back on 3rd September. Ive just found out im 6 weeks pregnant so due beginning of January. Id like to know whether I should go back Sept or earlier? If I go back Sept and leave at Xmas then ive been back work for 16 wks so would I be entitled to smp or ma?

    Editor: SMP is calculated based on your average weekly earnings in the eight weeks leading up to the 26th week of your pregnancy so if you go back in September that will be in the middle of the calculation period so your average will be affected. You need to be earning an average of £109 a week to qualify for SMP. In terms of earnings your best bet is to go back just before the 18th week of your pregnancy.

  • Anonymous says:

    Hi, im on maternity leave now and due back on 3rd September. Ive just found out im 6 weeks pregnant so due beginning of January. Id like to know whether I should go back Sept or earlier? If I go back Sept and leave at Xmas then ive been back work for 16 wks so would I be entitled to smp or ma?

    Editor: SMP is calculated based on your average weekly earnings in the eight weeks leading up to the 26th week of your pregnancy so if you go back in September that will be in the middle of the calculation period so your average will be affected. You need to be earning an average of £109 a week to qualify for SMP. In terms of earnings your best bet is to go back just before the 18th week of your pregnancy.

  • Anonymous says:

    Hello, i am classed as a 'temp' worker at the company i have worked at for over 2 years. I started my maternity on 29th July 3013. My 39 weeks smp has now finished and as I am a temp, I have been able to accrue holiday whilst I have been off. Now the smp has now ended, I would like to take some of my entitled holiday so I have some sort of income now I am no longer getting smp. My employer is refusing to pay my leave untill 29th July 14 because I am 'still on maternity leave' even though it is unpaid. They cannot seem to clarify this and I have no income fore the next 7 weeks, please could you advise as I am not getting anywhere with my employee's HR department. Why can't they pay my holiday if I'm not getting smp?? Thank you in advance.

    Editor: Your employer would assume you are taking 52 weeks maternity leave unless you inform them otherwise. You must give your employer at least 8 weeks’ notice if you want to change your return to work date. Have you done this or did you originally tell them you were going to return after 12 months?

  • Anonymous says:

    Hello, i am classed as a 'temp' worker at the company i have worked at for over 2 years. I started my maternity on 29th July 3013. My 39 weeks smp has now finished and as I am a temp, I have been able to accrue holiday whilst I have been off. Now the smp has now ended, I would like to take some of my entitled holiday so I have some sort of income now I am no longer getting smp. My employer is refusing to pay my leave untill 29th July 14 because I am 'still on maternity leave' even though it is unpaid. They cannot seem to clarify this and I have no income fore the next 7 weeks, please could you advise as I am not getting anywhere with my employee's HR department. Why can't they pay my holiday if I'm not getting smp?? Thank you in advance.

    Editor: Your employer would assume you are taking 52 weeks maternity leave unless you inform them otherwise. You must give your employer at least 8 weeks’ notice if you want to change your return to work date. Have you done this or did you originally tell them you were going to return after 12 months?

  • Anonymous says:

    Hello, i am classed as a 'temp' worker at the company i have worked at for over 2 years. I started my maternity on 29th July 3013. My 39 weeks smp has now finished and as I am a temp, I have been able to accrue holiday whilst I have been off. Now the smp has now ended, I would like to take some of my entitled holiday so I have some sort of income now I am no longer getting smp. My employer is refusing to pay my leave untill 29th July 14 because I am 'still on maternity leave' even though it is unpaid. They cannot seem to clarify this and I have no income fore the next 7 weeks, please could you advise as I am not getting anywhere with my employee's HR department. Why can't they pay my holiday if I'm not getting smp?? Thank you in advance.

    Editor: Your employer would assume you are taking 52 weeks maternity leave unless you inform them otherwise. You must give your employer at least 8 weeks’ notice if you want to change your return to work date. Have you done this or did you originally tell them you were going to return after 12 months?

  • Anonymous says:

    hi I work part time 5-10 h/w I wonder if I will get SMP.

    Editor: To qualify you would need to have worked from just before you got pregnant till at least the 26th week of your pregnancy and to have been earning an average of at least £109 a week in the eight weeks leading up to your 26th week of pregnancy. If not you could apply for Maternity Allowance via your local JobCentre Plus.

  • Anonymous says:

    Hi,
    I am employed part-time, and also self-employed. Am I entitled to SMP and MA? If so, is this awarded in proportionate amounts according to how much work I do in each employment? Thanks.

    Editor: I'm afraid you can't get SMP and MA at the same time. You can only get one or the other and usually SMP [ie from your part time job] will give you the highest amount. 

  • Anonymous says:

    hi I work part time 5-10 h/w I wonder if I will get SMP.

    Editor: To qualify you would need to have worked from just before you got pregnant till at least the 26th week of your pregnancy and to have been earning an average of at least £109 a week in the eight weeks leading up to your 26th week of pregnancy. If not you could apply for Maternity Allowance via your local JobCentre Plus.

  • Anonymous says:

    Hi,
    I am employed part-time, and also self-employed. Am I entitled to SMP and MA? If so, is this awarded in proportionate amounts according to how much work I do in each employment? Thanks.

    Editor: I'm afraid you can't get SMP and MA at the same time. You can only get one or the other and usually SMP [ie from your part time job] will give you the highest amount. 

  • Anonymous says:

    hi I work part time 5-10 h/w I wonder if I will get SMP.

    Editor: To qualify you would need to have worked from just before you got pregnant till at least the 26th week of your pregnancy and to have been earning an average of at least £109 a week in the eight weeks leading up to your 26th week of pregnancy. If not you could apply for Maternity Allowance via your local JobCentre Plus.

  • Anonymous says:

    Hi,
    I am employed part-time, and also self-employed. Am I entitled to SMP and MA? If so, is this awarded in proportionate amounts according to how much work I do in each employment? Thanks.

    Editor: I'm afraid you can't get SMP and MA at the same time. You can only get one or the other and usually SMP [ie from your part time job] will give you the highest amount. 

  • Anonymous says:

    Hi

    I have been working at my workplace for 5yesrs now, I took a career break for 5 months and during this career break I fall pregnant. My employer says am not entitled to SMP because my average weekly earning is less. Will I be able to claim Maternity allowance. Or can I still claim SMP because I was continuously employed during this period. Thank you

    Editor: SMP is based on your average weekly earnings in the eight weeks leading up to the 26th week of your pregnancy so if you were not earning in this period your earnings may well be below the £109 a week threshold needed to qualify for SMP. Maternity Allowance is claimed through your JobCentre Plus. To qualify you need to have worked for at least 26 weeks in the 66 weeks before your baby's due date and to have earned at least £30 a week in any 13-week period in the 66 weeks.

  • Anonymous says:

    Hi

    I have been working at my workplace for 5yesrs now, I took a career break for 5 months and during this career break I fall pregnant. My employer says am not entitled to SMP because my average weekly earning is less. Will I be able to claim Maternity allowance. Or can I still claim SMP because I was continuously employed during this period. Thank you

    Editor: SMP is based on your average weekly earnings in the eight weeks leading up to the 26th week of your pregnancy so if you were not earning in this period your earnings may well be below the £109 a week threshold needed to qualify for SMP. Maternity Allowance is claimed through your JobCentre Plus. To qualify you need to have worked for at least 26 weeks in the 66 weeks before your baby's due date and to have earned at least £30 a week in any 13-week period in the 66 weeks.

  • Anonymous says:

    Hi

    I have been working at my workplace for 5yesrs now, I took a career break for 5 months and during this career break I fall pregnant. My employer says am not entitled to SMP because my average weekly earning is less. Will I be able to claim Maternity allowance. Or can I still claim SMP because I was continuously employed during this period. Thank you

    Editor: SMP is based on your average weekly earnings in the eight weeks leading up to the 26th week of your pregnancy so if you were not earning in this period your earnings may well be below the £109 a week threshold needed to qualify for SMP. Maternity Allowance is claimed through your JobCentre Plus. To qualify you need to have worked for at least 26 weeks in the 66 weeks before your baby's due date and to have earned at least £30 a week in any 13-week period in the 66 weeks.

  • Anonymous says:

    Hi , I went back to work in February after 39 weeks on maternity allowance pay, I only work 8 hours a week and was wondering if I will qualifiy for any SMP or MA x

    Editor: You don't say how many weeks pregnant you are. I doubt you would qualify for SMP on eight hours a week – you need to be paid an average of at least £109 a week in the eight weeks leading up to the 26th week of your pregnancy. To qualify for MA you would need to have been working for at least 26 weeks in the 66 weeks leading up to the due date of your baby and to have earned at least £30 a week in any 13-week period in those 66 weeks.

  • Anonymous says:

    Hi , I went back to work in February after 39 weeks on maternity allowance pay, I only work 8 hours a week and was wondering if I will qualifiy for any SMP or MA x

    Editor: You don't say how many weeks pregnant you are. I doubt you would qualify for SMP on eight hours a week – you need to be paid an average of at least £109 a week in the eight weeks leading up to the 26th week of your pregnancy. To qualify for MA you would need to have been working for at least 26 weeks in the 66 weeks leading up to the due date of your baby and to have earned at least £30 a week in any 13-week period in those 66 weeks.

  • Anonymous says:

    Hi , I went back to work in February after 39 weeks on maternity allowance pay, I only work 8 hours a week and was wondering if I will qualifiy for any SMP or MA x

    Editor: You don't say how many weeks pregnant you are. I doubt you would qualify for SMP on eight hours a week – you need to be paid an average of at least £109 a week in the eight weeks leading up to the 26th week of your pregnancy. To qualify for MA you would need to have been working for at least 26 weeks in the 66 weeks leading up to the due date of your baby and to have earned at least £30 a week in any 13-week period in those 66 weeks.

  • Anonymous says:

    Hi I have been on mat leave for around 29 weeks I thinking of going back to work due to drop on income. Does my employer sill have to pay the remaining weeks smp if I return or do I give up the right to those once I return x

    Editor: Your SMP will end the week you restart work.

  • Anonymous says:

    Hi I have been on mat leave for around 29 weeks I thinking of going back to work due to drop on income. Does my employer sill have to pay the remaining weeks smp if I return or do I give up the right to those once I return x

    Editor: Your SMP will end the week you restart work.

  • Anonymous says:

    Hi I have been on mat leave for around 29 weeks I thinking of going back to work due to drop on income. Does my employer sill have to pay the remaining weeks smp if I return or do I give up the right to those once I return x

    Editor: Your SMP will end the week you restart work.

  • Anonymous says:

    Hi there I have been off work for a year and have been declared with a psychological disability by my work insurance doctor, I recently found out that I am pregnant. Would I still be entitled to maternaty like everyone else or not? I have been working for the company for about 5 and a half years?

    Editor: SMP is based on you earning an average of at least £109 in the eight weeks leading up to the 26th week of your pregnancy. Are you on SSP? If so you may not meet the earning requirement for SMP, but you may qualify for Maternity Allowance. For this you need to earn at least £30 a week in any 13 week period in the 66 weeks before your baby's due date. You would also need to have been employed for 26 weeks in that 66-week period, which I assume you still are. You can claim MA through your local Jobcentre Plus.

  • Anonymous says:

    Hi there I have been off work for a year and have been declared with a psychological disability by my work insurance doctor, I recently found out that I am pregnant. Would I still be entitled to maternaty like everyone else or not? I have been working for the company for about 5 and a half years?

    Editor: SMP is based on you earning an average of at least £109 in the eight weeks leading up to the 26th week of your pregnancy. Are you on SSP? If so you may not meet the earning requirement for SMP, but you may qualify for Maternity Allowance. For this you need to earn at least £30 a week in any 13 week period in the 66 weeks before your baby's due date. You would also need to have been employed for 26 weeks in that 66-week period, which I assume you still are. You can claim MA through your local Jobcentre Plus.

  • Anonymous says:

    Hi there I have been off work for a year and have been declared with a psychological disability by my work insurance doctor, I recently found out that I am pregnant. Would I still be entitled to maternaty like everyone else or not? I have been working for the company for about 5 and a half years?

    Editor: SMP is based on you earning an average of at least £109 in the eight weeks leading up to the 26th week of your pregnancy. Are you on SSP? If so you may not meet the earning requirement for SMP, but you may qualify for Maternity Allowance. For this you need to earn at least £30 a week in any 13 week period in the 66 weeks before your baby's due date. You would also need to have been employed for 26 weeks in that 66-week period, which I assume you still are. You can claim MA through your local Jobcentre Plus.

  • Anonymous says:

    I have been working for my company for almost 2 years. My initial contract was for a year but as I fell pregnant in this time they have extended my contract to end when my maternity leave finishes. I am currently pregnant again and will still be employed in my 15 week qualifying period, I have already worked out I don't get SMP as I didn't earn enough in the 8 week's but will be entitled to MA. Will I still receive working tax credits for the 39 week's I receive maternity allowance as I have been employed?

    Editor: see http://www.hmrc.gov.uk/taxcredits/keep-up-to-date/changes-affect/family-change/new-baby.htm

  • Anonymous says:

    I have been working for my company for almost 2 years. My initial contract was for a year but as I fell pregnant in this time they have extended my contract to end when my maternity leave finishes. I am currently pregnant again and will still be employed in my 15 week qualifying period, I have already worked out I don't get SMP as I didn't earn enough in the 8 week's but will be entitled to MA. Will I still receive working tax credits for the 39 week's I receive maternity allowance as I have been employed?

    Editor: see http://www.hmrc.gov.uk/taxcredits/keep-up-to-date/changes-affect/family-change/new-baby.htm

  • Anonymous says:

    I have been working for my company for almost 2 years. My initial contract was for a year but as I fell pregnant in this time they have extended my contract to end when my maternity leave finishes. I am currently pregnant again and will still be employed in my 15 week qualifying period, I have already worked out I don't get SMP as I didn't earn enough in the 8 week's but will be entitled to MA. Will I still receive working tax credits for the 39 week's I receive maternity allowance as I have been employed?

    Editor: see http://www.hmrc.gov.uk/taxcredits/keep-up-to-date/changes-affect/family-change/new-baby.htm

  • Anonymous says:

    I work full time and have been with my company for 18 months, however I'm only contracted to part time hours. Will the first six weeks be 90% of my contracted pay or my average pay? Not yet pregnant but beginning to try, so I'm unsure whether I should be trying to get a full time contract before I fell pregnant?

    Editor: SMP is based on your average weekly take-home pay [which may include overtime] in the eight weeks leading up to the 26th week of your pregnancy.

  • Anonymous says:

    I work full time and have been with my company for 18 months, however I'm only contracted to part time hours. Will the first six weeks be 90% of my contracted pay or my average pay? Not yet pregnant but beginning to try, so I'm unsure whether I should be trying to get a full time contract before I fell pregnant?

    Editor: SMP is based on your average weekly take-home pay [which may include overtime] in the eight weeks leading up to the 26th week of your pregnancy.

  • Anonymous says:

    I work full time and have been with my company for 18 months, however I'm only contracted to part time hours. Will the first six weeks be 90% of my contracted pay or my average pay? Not yet pregnant but beginning to try, so I'm unsure whether I should be trying to get a full time contract before I fell pregnant?

    Editor: SMP is based on your average weekly take-home pay [which may include overtime] in the eight weeks leading up to the 26th week of your pregnancy.

  • Anonymous says:

    I am working as self employed and registered my company in 2012 and i did not get my bill for class 2 NI since i registered the company. until i called in october and they say they will back date the bill and send it this April 2014.
    my question is i had my baby on the 20th of Febuary and i did not apply for maternity pay, I want to know if i will still get my maternity pay if i apply almost 2 months after delivery.

    Editor: You need to contact your local JobCentre Plus - https://www.gov.uk/maternity-allowance/how-to-claim

  • Anonymous says:

    I am working as self employed and registered my company in 2012 and i did not get my bill for class 2 NI since i registered the company. until i called in october and they say they will back date the bill and send it this April 2014.
    my question is i had my baby on the 20th of Febuary and i did not apply for maternity pay, I want to know if i will still get my maternity pay if i apply almost 2 months after delivery.

    Editor: You need to contact your local JobCentre Plus - https://www.gov.uk/maternity-allowance/how-to-claim

  • Anonymous says:

    I am working as self employed and registered my company in 2012 and i did not get my bill for class 2 NI since i registered the company. until i called in october and they say they will back date the bill and send it this April 2014.
    my question is i had my baby on the 20th of Febuary and i did not apply for maternity pay, I want to know if i will still get my maternity pay if i apply almost 2 months after delivery.

    Editor: You need to contact your local JobCentre Plus - https://www.gov.uk/maternity-allowance/how-to-claim

  • Anonymous says:

    Hi,

    I am an owner of a limited company and an employee of that company (Paying myself monthly). If I take SMP does this mean effectively no one can run my company? or can my company continue to trade?

    Editor: You can do up to 10 Keeping in Touch Days during your maternity leave [any part of one day counts as a full day]. However, if you do more than 10 days, you would lose SMP.

  • Anonymous says:

    Hi,

    I am an owner of a limited company and an employee of that company (Paying myself monthly). If I take SMP does this mean effectively no one can run my company? or can my company continue to trade?

    Editor: You can do up to 10 Keeping in Touch Days during your maternity leave [any part of one day counts as a full day]. However, if you do more than 10 days, you would lose SMP.

  • Anonymous says:

    Hi,

    I am an owner of a limited company and an employee of that company (Paying myself monthly). If I take SMP does this mean effectively no one can run my company? or can my company continue to trade?

    Editor: You can do up to 10 Keeping in Touch Days during your maternity leave [any part of one day counts as a full day]. However, if you do more than 10 days, you would lose SMP.

  • Anonymous says:

    hi their
    i have 4 weeks to go until my due date and i am not entitled to maternity pay through my work as i have not worked their long enough so i am getting it theough the job centre/government instead, i had already wrote to my work saying i wished to start my maternity on my due date april 14th but was intending taking 2 weeks holiday before then but have now been made aware i only have 1 weeks holiday but also now find i have had enough and feel i cant work much longer so wish to start my maternity earlier but this will only be a weeks notice? can i do this since my work arent the ones who are actually paying my maternity?

    Editor: You can change the date you start your maternity leave later, as long as you give 28 days' notice. If you feel unwell, you could take sick leave or ask to reduce your hours.

     

  • Anonymous says:

    hi their
    i have 4 weeks to go until my due date and i am not entitled to maternity pay through my work as i have not worked their long enough so i am getting it theough the job centre/government instead, i had already wrote to my work saying i wished to start my maternity on my due date april 14th but was intending taking 2 weeks holiday before then but have now been made aware i only have 1 weeks holiday but also now find i have had enough and feel i cant work much longer so wish to start my maternity earlier but this will only be a weeks notice? can i do this since my work arent the ones who are actually paying my maternity?

    Editor: You can change the date you start your maternity leave later, as long as you give 28 days' notice. If you feel unwell, you could take sick leave or ask to reduce your hours.

     

  • Anonymous says:

    hi their
    i have 4 weeks to go until my due date and i am not entitled to maternity pay through my work as i have not worked their long enough so i am getting it theough the job centre/government instead, i had already wrote to my work saying i wished to start my maternity on my due date april 14th but was intending taking 2 weeks holiday before then but have now been made aware i only have 1 weeks holiday but also now find i have had enough and feel i cant work much longer so wish to start my maternity earlier but this will only be a weeks notice? can i do this since my work arent the ones who are actually paying my maternity?

    Editor: You can change the date you start your maternity leave later, as long as you give 28 days' notice. If you feel unwell, you could take sick leave or ask to reduce your hours.

     

  • Anonymous says:

    Hi, ive been employed by same employer since April 2013 on a full time basis, im now nearly 25 weeks pregnant and havent told employer. Since october 2013 ive been put on a probationary period which was supposed to end in December but my employer keeps putting it off but adding me on rota for month ahead. Since starting this employment ive never got a contract and nor has employees who have been there longer. Would i be intitled to SMP? Really need help 🙂

    Editor: As long as you are still employed at the 26th week of your pregnancy and earned on average at least £109 in the eight weeks up to the 26th week of pregnancy you should qualify.

  • Anonymous says:

    Hi, ive been employed by same employer since April 2013 on a full time basis, im now nearly 25 weeks pregnant and havent told employer. Since october 2013 ive been put on a probationary period which was supposed to end in December but my employer keeps putting it off but adding me on rota for month ahead. Since starting this employment ive never got a contract and nor has employees who have been there longer. Would i be intitled to SMP? Really need help 🙂

    Editor: As long as you are still employed at the 26th week of your pregnancy and earned on average at least £109 in the eight weeks up to the 26th week of pregnancy you should qualify.

  • Anonymous says:

    Hi, ive been employed by same employer since April 2013 on a full time basis, im now nearly 25 weeks pregnant and havent told employer. Since october 2013 ive been put on a probationary period which was supposed to end in December but my employer keeps putting it off but adding me on rota for month ahead. Since starting this employment ive never got a contract and nor has employees who have been there longer. Would i be intitled to SMP? Really need help 🙂

    Editor: As long as you are still employed at the 26th week of your pregnancy and earned on average at least £109 in the eight weeks up to the 26th week of pregnancy you should qualify.

  • Anonymous says:

    I am currently on maternity leave (52 weeks). I go back to work on 28th April 2014( due back on 14th April but I work in a school and it will be school holidays). I have fallen pregnant again and the baby is due on 9th sept 2014. I intend to go back part time, and take another 52 weeks maternity leave. Will I get smp or mp.. Thanks.

    Editor: You will get SMP if you satisfy eligibility criteria ie you are still in position past the 26th week of pregnancy and you are earning on average £109 a week in the eight weeks leading up to the 26th week of pregnancy. If not, you should qualify for Maternity Allowance – see https://www.gov.uk/maternity-allowance

  • Anonymous says:

    I am currently on maternity leave (52 weeks). I go back to work on 28th April 2014( due back on 14th April but I work in a school and it will be school holidays). I have fallen pregnant again and the baby is due on 9th sept 2014. I intend to go back part time, and take another 52 weeks maternity leave. Will I get smp or mp.. Thanks.

    Editor: You will get SMP if you satisfy eligibility criteria ie you are still in position past the 26th week of pregnancy and you are earning on average £109 a week in the eight weeks leading up to the 26th week of pregnancy. If not, you should qualify for Maternity Allowance – see https://www.gov.uk/maternity-allowance

  • Anonymous says:

    I am currently on maternity leave (52 weeks). I go back to work on 28th April 2014( due back on 14th April but I work in a school and it will be school holidays). I have fallen pregnant again and the baby is due on 9th sept 2014. I intend to go back part time, and take another 52 weeks maternity leave. Will I get smp or mp.. Thanks.

    Editor: You will get SMP if you satisfy eligibility criteria ie you are still in position past the 26th week of pregnancy and you are earning on average £109 a week in the eight weeks leading up to the 26th week of pregnancy. If not, you should qualify for Maternity Allowance – see https://www.gov.uk/maternity-allowance

  • Anonymous says:

    Sorry, to ask this but you say you can do self employed work during maternity leave without losing SMP, but is that still correct if the self employed work is carried out for the company paying your SMP? I understand you can do self employed work but have been told it would be 'unlawful to have an employee on maternity leave and then allow that employee to work for you in a self-employed capacity at the same time'. Is this something you can clarify?

    Editor: Our HR expert Sandra Beale says you would have to set yourself up as a limited company, but you could do it.

  • Anonymous says:

    I am due to go on maternity leave with full smp entitlement. Can I register as self employed and work for the same company under this new basis without affecting my smp?

    Editor: You can do self employed work during maternity leave without losing SMP.

  • Anonymous says:

    Sorry, to ask this but you say you can do self employed work during maternity leave without losing SMP, but is that still correct if the self employed work is carried out for the company paying your SMP? I understand you can do self employed work but have been told it would be 'unlawful to have an employee on maternity leave and then allow that employee to work for you in a self-employed capacity at the same time'. Is this something you can clarify?

    Editor: Our HR expert Sandra Beale says you would have to set yourself up as a limited company, but you could do it.

  • Anonymous says:

    I am due to go on maternity leave with full smp entitlement. Can I register as self employed and work for the same company under this new basis without affecting my smp?

    Editor: You can do self employed work during maternity leave without losing SMP.

  • Anonymous says:

    Sorry, to ask this but you say you can do self employed work during maternity leave without losing SMP, but is that still correct if the self employed work is carried out for the company paying your SMP? I understand you can do self employed work but have been told it would be 'unlawful to have an employee on maternity leave and then allow that employee to work for you in a self-employed capacity at the same time'. Is this something you can clarify?

    Editor: Our HR expert Sandra Beale says you would have to set yourself up as a limited company, but you could do it.

  • Anonymous says:

    I am due to go on maternity leave with full smp entitlement. Can I register as self employed and work for the same company under this new basis without affecting my smp?

    Editor: You can do self employed work during maternity leave without losing SMP.

  • Anonymous says:

    Hello, I have PAYE employment and am entitled to SMP. If I also do a small amount of self employed work from home during my maternity leave will this affect my SMP? Thank you

    Editor: You can do self employed work without it affecting your SMP.

  • Anonymous says:

    Hello, I have PAYE employment and am entitled to SMP. If I also do a small amount of self employed work from home during my maternity leave will this affect my SMP? Thank you

    Editor: You can do self employed work without it affecting your SMP.

  • Anonymous says:

    Hello, I have PAYE employment and am entitled to SMP. If I also do a small amount of self employed work from home during my maternity leave will this affect my SMP? Thank you

    Editor: You can do self employed work without it affecting your SMP.

  • Anonymous says:

    I've been employed as a worker/self employed for the last 3 months, the employer had promised a permanent contract in January, but this will now not be till March. I am due on 16th Oct which means whilst I will have been employed by the same company for 26 weeks before the qualifying date for SMP It will be as a combination of being self-employed and an employee, will I be entitled to SMP?

    Editor: This is likely to fall outside the eligibility rules on SMP which means you should get Maternity Allowance, but check with the HMRC employee helpline on 0845 3021479.

  • Anonymous says:

    I've been employed as a worker/self employed for the last 3 months, the employer had promised a permanent contract in January, but this will now not be till March. I am due on 16th Oct which means whilst I will have been employed by the same company for 26 weeks before the qualifying date for SMP It will be as a combination of being self-employed and an employee, will I be entitled to SMP?

    Editor: This is likely to fall outside the eligibility rules on SMP which means you should get Maternity Allowance, but check with the HMRC employee helpline on 0845 3021479.

  • Anonymous says:

    I've been employed as a worker/self employed for the last 3 months, the employer had promised a permanent contract in January, but this will now not be till March. I am due on 16th Oct which means whilst I will have been employed by the same company for 26 weeks before the qualifying date for SMP It will be as a combination of being self-employed and an employee, will I be entitled to SMP?

    Editor: This is likely to fall outside the eligibility rules on SMP which means you should get Maternity Allowance, but check with the HMRC employee helpline on 0845 3021479.

  • Anonymous says:

    Hi, Hope someone would be able to advise me pls. I am qualified nurse. worked continuously for 8 month with my local trust. i resined my post as a permanent staff at the end of 8 month and went on the trust Zero hour contract ( Meaning, i worked when it was convenient for me)for three months with the same NHS trust.

    I have been sponsored by the local PCT NHS Trust to train as a Health Visitor. The Course is 12 month long. I started September 2013 and will complete August 2014.

    I get paid a full salary ( 1400)at the end of the month.
    I have found out that I am 9 weeks pregnant and my due date will be in September, 2014.
    I am scared to inform my employer, and worried that i will not be entitled to a full maternity pay.
    On my sponsorship contract, it states my NHS continuous service date.

    Any advice please….

    Editor: If you have continuous employment since just before you became pregnant to at least the 26th week of your pregnancy you should qualify for SMP. You may also qualify for contractual maternity pay offered by the NHS – check the terms of this in your organisations maternity policy.

  • Anonymous says:

    Hi, Hope someone would be able to advise me pls. I am qualified nurse. worked continuously for 8 month with my local trust. i resined my post as a permanent staff at the end of 8 month and went on the trust Zero hour contract ( Meaning, i worked when it was convenient for me)for three months with the same NHS trust.

    I have been sponsored by the local PCT NHS Trust to train as a Health Visitor. The Course is 12 month long. I started September 2013 and will complete August 2014.

    I get paid a full salary ( 1400)at the end of the month.
    I have found out that I am 9 weeks pregnant and my due date will be in September, 2014.
    I am scared to inform my employer, and worried that i will not be entitled to a full maternity pay.
    On my sponsorship contract, it states my NHS continuous service date.

    Any advice please….

    Editor: If you have continuous employment since just before you became pregnant to at least the 26th week of your pregnancy you should qualify for SMP. You may also qualify for contractual maternity pay offered by the NHS – check the terms of this in your organisations maternity policy.

  • Anonymous says:

    Hi, Hope someone would be able to advise me pls. I am qualified nurse. worked continuously for 8 month with my local trust. i resined my post as a permanent staff at the end of 8 month and went on the trust Zero hour contract ( Meaning, i worked when it was convenient for me)for three months with the same NHS trust.

    I have been sponsored by the local PCT NHS Trust to train as a Health Visitor. The Course is 12 month long. I started September 2013 and will complete August 2014.

    I get paid a full salary ( 1400)at the end of the month.
    I have found out that I am 9 weeks pregnant and my due date will be in September, 2014.
    I am scared to inform my employer, and worried that i will not be entitled to a full maternity pay.
    On my sponsorship contract, it states my NHS continuous service date.

    Any advice please….

    Editor: If you have continuous employment since just before you became pregnant to at least the 26th week of your pregnancy you should qualify for SMP. You may also qualify for contractual maternity pay offered by the NHS – check the terms of this in your organisations maternity policy.

  • Anonymous says:

    My statutory maternity pay (£135.45 pw) ended October 6th 2013 I took my full 39weeks, and while on maternity I fell pregnant again, and my second baby is due June 23rd 2014. Am I entitled to Maternity Allowance this time? And would you know how much if I am entitled to it? I am currently not working but looking at going self employed until June but I will be entitled to small earnings certificate.
    Thank you

    Editor: To qualify for Maternity Allowance you need to have worked for 26 weeks in the 66 weeks up to your baby's due date. Maternity leave will count. You also need to have earned at least £30 a week in any 13-week period. MA is £136.78 a week or 90% of average weekly wages, whichever is lower, for 39 weeks.

  • Anonymous says:

    My statutory maternity pay (£135.45 pw) ended October 6th 2013 I took my full 39weeks, and while on maternity I fell pregnant again, and my second baby is due June 23rd 2014. Am I entitled to Maternity Allowance this time? And would you know how much if I am entitled to it? I am currently not working but looking at going self employed until June but I will be entitled to small earnings certificate.
    Thank you

    Editor: To qualify for Maternity Allowance you need to have worked for 26 weeks in the 66 weeks up to your baby's due date. Maternity leave will count. You also need to have earned at least £30 a week in any 13-week period. MA is £136.78 a week or 90% of average weekly wages, whichever is lower, for 39 weeks.

  • Anonymous says:

    My statutory maternity pay (£135.45 pw) ended October 6th 2013 I took my full 39weeks, and while on maternity I fell pregnant again, and my second baby is due June 23rd 2014. Am I entitled to Maternity Allowance this time? And would you know how much if I am entitled to it? I am currently not working but looking at going self employed until June but I will be entitled to small earnings certificate.
    Thank you

    Editor: To qualify for Maternity Allowance you need to have worked for 26 weeks in the 66 weeks up to your baby's due date. Maternity leave will count. You also need to have earned at least £30 a week in any 13-week period. MA is £136.78 a week or 90% of average weekly wages, whichever is lower, for 39 weeks.

  • Anonymous says:

    Hi, I want to go back to work but would prefer to build up gradually to full time work again. If I go back to work part time (2days per week to start) will I lose smp if I'm returning back to work before my 39 weeks? Many thanks.

    Editor: You can use 10 Keeping in Touch Days without losing SMP, but once you start back at work after this you will lose SMP.

  • Anonymous says:

    Hi, I want to go back to work but would prefer to build up gradually to full time work again. If I go back to work part time (2days per week to start) will I lose smp if I'm returning back to work before my 39 weeks? Many thanks.

    Editor: You can use 10 Keeping in Touch Days without losing SMP, but once you start back at work after this you will lose SMP.

  • Anonymous says:

    Hi, I want to go back to work but would prefer to build up gradually to full time work again. If I go back to work part time (2days per week to start) will I lose smp if I'm returning back to work before my 39 weeks? Many thanks.

    Editor: You can use 10 Keeping in Touch Days without losing SMP, but once you start back at work after this you will lose SMP.

  • Anonymous says:

    Hi, I am currently on maternity pay till the 29/02/2014. I will not be returning back to company and I have informed the company.
    If I start working two days a month before that date with another company, would I still get SMP?

    Editor: Your SMP will end the week you start your new job.

  • Anonymous says:

    Hi, I am currently on maternity pay till the 29/02/2014. I will not be returning back to company and I have informed the company.
    If I start working two days a month before that date with another company, would I still get SMP?

    Editor: Your SMP will end the week you start your new job.

  • Anonymous says:

    Hi, I am currently on maternity pay till the 29/02/2014. I will not be returning back to company and I have informed the company.
    If I start working two days a month before that date with another company, would I still get SMP?

    Editor: Your SMP will end the week you start your new job.

  • Anonymous says:

    Hi, thanks for your reply to my query (below). I went back to work (by putting in my accrued leave, in order to avoid the non pay period) so I am ok in terms of calculating my mat pay for qualifying weeks.
    I just want to know if its ok to go on my second maternity leave following annual leave or do you physically have to be in work?

    Thank you
    Amy

    Editor: You do not have to return physically to start another period of maternity leave. It is only with regard to maternity pay that there may be a problem. There are also implications for your eventual return to work after the second maternity leave period as, regardless of how much leave you take second time around, you will only have the right to return to the same job if it is reasonably practicable to do so if you don't return in between. If it is not reasonably practicable, your employer may offer you a suitable alternative job on similar terms and conditions. If you return to work between the two periods of leave – even if it is just for a day – and then only take Ordinary Maternity Leave after the birth of your second child, you will have the right to return to the same job.

    I have just finished my maternity leave and am using my accrued leave (not yet physically returned to work). I am pregnant with my second child and I was wondering if being on my annual leave counts as being back at work/returned to work?
    I have read that a second period of maternity leave can begin without physically returning as long as the correct notice has been provided to the employer, is this correct?
    Thank you

    Editor: You can begin a second period of maternity leave while on maternity leave, but for maternity pay purposes you will be assessed on your average earnings in the eight weeks up to your 26th week of pregnancy, which may be in the unpaid part of your maternity leave. You do not state how pregnant you are. Therefore, financially, it may be worth returning to work, even for a short time.

  • Anonymous says:

    Hi there.
    Great site; very informative. I've learned a lot in the last half hour but none of the other questions quite fit my circumstances or query.

    I work in a support staff role in a school on a 0.833 contract. As I understand it, my pay from the 38 weeks I do work and any holiday entitlements are added together then divided by 12 to give me my monthly salary.

    My problem is that my baby is due at the end of July, only a week into the schools' summer holiday. As I don't work during these six weeks, I don't want to start my maternity leave until the first day back in September. So my plan is to work up until my 39th week so I will benefit from having an extra five weeks off to spend with my baby. I have been at the school for years and am entitled to six weeks at 90% and then the 33 weeks at the standard SMP rate.

    However, the schools' business manager has told me I wouldn't be able to do that as my maternity leave starts automatically the day after my baby is born so therefore, my August pay would be at the 90% rate and my maternity leave would start ticking down, even though I'm off anyway.

    What I am struggling to come to terms with is, if I've worked for the full academic year (September through to end of July) haven't I already earned my full August wage anyway?! It feels like I'm losing out because I don't get paid for the school holidays like the teachers do.

    Any help, guidance, advice would be gratefully received. I don't know if it's the on-set of 'baby brain', but I'm finding the whole maternity/employment law situation a mind-boggling mine-field!

    Thank you in anticipation
    Mel

    Editor: Your employer is correct about your maternity leave. However, you still accrue holiday while on maternity leave so should be able to add this to the end of your maternity leave or be paid in lieu. Check with your employer.

  • Anonymous says:

    Hi, thanks for your reply to my query (below). I went back to work (by putting in my accrued leave, in order to avoid the non pay period) so I am ok in terms of calculating my mat pay for qualifying weeks.
    I just want to know if its ok to go on my second maternity leave following annual leave or do you physically have to be in work?

    Thank you
    Amy

    Editor: You do not have to return physically to start another period of maternity leave. It is only with regard to maternity pay that there may be a problem. There are also implications for your eventual return to work after the second maternity leave period as, regardless of how much leave you take second time around, you will only have the right to return to the same job if it is reasonably practicable to do so if you don't return in between. If it is not reasonably practicable, your employer may offer you a suitable alternative job on similar terms and conditions. If you return to work between the two periods of leave – even if it is just for a day – and then only take Ordinary Maternity Leave after the birth of your second child, you will have the right to return to the same job.

    I have just finished my maternity leave and am using my accrued leave (not yet physically returned to work). I am pregnant with my second child and I was wondering if being on my annual leave counts as being back at work/returned to work?
    I have read that a second period of maternity leave can begin without physically returning as long as the correct notice has been provided to the employer, is this correct?
    Thank you

    Editor: You can begin a second period of maternity leave while on maternity leave, but for maternity pay purposes you will be assessed on your average earnings in the eight weeks up to your 26th week of pregnancy, which may be in the unpaid part of your maternity leave. You do not state how pregnant you are. Therefore, financially, it may be worth returning to work, even for a short time.

  • Anonymous says:

    Hi there.
    Great site; very informative. I've learned a lot in the last half hour but none of the other questions quite fit my circumstances or query.

    I work in a support staff role in a school on a 0.833 contract. As I understand it, my pay from the 38 weeks I do work and any holiday entitlements are added together then divided by 12 to give me my monthly salary.

    My problem is that my baby is due at the end of July, only a week into the schools' summer holiday. As I don't work during these six weeks, I don't want to start my maternity leave until the first day back in September. So my plan is to work up until my 39th week so I will benefit from having an extra five weeks off to spend with my baby. I have been at the school for years and am entitled to six weeks at 90% and then the 33 weeks at the standard SMP rate.

    However, the schools' business manager has told me I wouldn't be able to do that as my maternity leave starts automatically the day after my baby is born so therefore, my August pay would be at the 90% rate and my maternity leave would start ticking down, even though I'm off anyway.

    What I am struggling to come to terms with is, if I've worked for the full academic year (September through to end of July) haven't I already earned my full August wage anyway?! It feels like I'm losing out because I don't get paid for the school holidays like the teachers do.

    Any help, guidance, advice would be gratefully received. I don't know if it's the on-set of 'baby brain', but I'm finding the whole maternity/employment law situation a mind-boggling mine-field!

    Thank you in anticipation
    Mel

    Editor: Your employer is correct about your maternity leave. However, you still accrue holiday while on maternity leave so should be able to add this to the end of your maternity leave or be paid in lieu. Check with your employer.

  • Anonymous says:

    Hi, thanks for your reply to my query (below). I went back to work (by putting in my accrued leave, in order to avoid the non pay period) so I am ok in terms of calculating my mat pay for qualifying weeks.
    I just want to know if its ok to go on my second maternity leave following annual leave or do you physically have to be in work?

    Thank you
    Amy

    Editor: You do not have to return physically to start another period of maternity leave. It is only with regard to maternity pay that there may be a problem. There are also implications for your eventual return to work after the second maternity leave period as, regardless of how much leave you take second time around, you will only have the right to return to the same job if it is reasonably practicable to do so if you don't return in between. If it is not reasonably practicable, your employer may offer you a suitable alternative job on similar terms and conditions. If you return to work between the two periods of leave – even if it is just for a day – and then only take Ordinary Maternity Leave after the birth of your second child, you will have the right to return to the same job.

    I have just finished my maternity leave and am using my accrued leave (not yet physically returned to work). I am pregnant with my second child and I was wondering if being on my annual leave counts as being back at work/returned to work?
    I have read that a second period of maternity leave can begin without physically returning as long as the correct notice has been provided to the employer, is this correct?
    Thank you

    Editor: You can begin a second period of maternity leave while on maternity leave, but for maternity pay purposes you will be assessed on your average earnings in the eight weeks up to your 26th week of pregnancy, which may be in the unpaid part of your maternity leave. You do not state how pregnant you are. Therefore, financially, it may be worth returning to work, even for a short time.

  • Anonymous says:

    Hi there.
    Great site; very informative. I've learned a lot in the last half hour but none of the other questions quite fit my circumstances or query.

    I work in a support staff role in a school on a 0.833 contract. As I understand it, my pay from the 38 weeks I do work and any holiday entitlements are added together then divided by 12 to give me my monthly salary.

    My problem is that my baby is due at the end of July, only a week into the schools' summer holiday. As I don't work during these six weeks, I don't want to start my maternity leave until the first day back in September. So my plan is to work up until my 39th week so I will benefit from having an extra five weeks off to spend with my baby. I have been at the school for years and am entitled to six weeks at 90% and then the 33 weeks at the standard SMP rate.

    However, the schools' business manager has told me I wouldn't be able to do that as my maternity leave starts automatically the day after my baby is born so therefore, my August pay would be at the 90% rate and my maternity leave would start ticking down, even though I'm off anyway.

    What I am struggling to come to terms with is, if I've worked for the full academic year (September through to end of July) haven't I already earned my full August wage anyway?! It feels like I'm losing out because I don't get paid for the school holidays like the teachers do.

    Any help, guidance, advice would be gratefully received. I don't know if it's the on-set of 'baby brain', but I'm finding the whole maternity/employment law situation a mind-boggling mine-field!

    Thank you in anticipation
    Mel

    Editor: Your employer is correct about your maternity leave. However, you still accrue holiday while on maternity leave so should be able to add this to the end of your maternity leave or be paid in lieu. Check with your employer.

  • Anonymous says:

    I get paid extra mat pay (occupational mat pay) which is higher than SMP. If I decide not to return after my mat leave comes to an end, do I legally have to pay the extra pay back?
    The reason I ask is because I won't be able to afford child care and as I won't be earning I think I will struggle financially. Otherwise I may be able to suggest a payment plan per month, but this will put me years in debt.
    I haven't signed anything however the mat policy for my company says I have to return for 3 months in order to retain the enhanced payments.
    If I do decide to return for the 3 months can I request part time/reduced hours and what happens if this request is turned down, where can I go for help?

    Editor: If it says in your contract you have to pay it back you should assume that you will have to. You can request flexible working and if your appeal is turned down for reasons which do not fit within the legislation you can appeal – see https://www.workingmums.co.uk/advice-and-support/career-advice/197211/flexible-working-a-guide-for-employers.thtml

  • Anonymous says:

    I have just finished my maternity leave and am using my accrued leave (not yet physically returned to work). I am pregnant with my second child and I was wondering if being on my annual leave counts as being back at work/returned to work?
    I have read that a second period of maternity leave can begin without physically returning as long as the correct notice has been provided to the employer, is this correct?
    Thank you

    Editor: You can begin a second period of maternity leave while on maternity leave, but for maternity pay purposes you will be assessed on your average earnings in the eight weeks up to your 26th week of pregnancy, which may be in the unpaid part of your maternity leave. You do not state how pregnant you are. Therefore, financially, it may be worth returning to work, even for a short time.

     

  • Anonymous says:

    I get paid extra mat pay (occupational mat pay) which is higher than SMP. If I decide not to return after my mat leave comes to an end, do I legally have to pay the extra pay back?
    The reason I ask is because I won't be able to afford child care and as I won't be earning I think I will struggle financially. Otherwise I may be able to suggest a payment plan per month, but this will put me years in debt.
    I haven't signed anything however the mat policy for my company says I have to return for 3 months in order to retain the enhanced payments.
    If I do decide to return for the 3 months can I request part time/reduced hours and what happens if this request is turned down, where can I go for help?

    Editor: If it says in your contract you have to pay it back you should assume that you will have to. You can request flexible working and if your appeal is turned down for reasons which do not fit within the legislation you can appeal – see https://www.workingmums.co.uk/advice-and-support/career-advice/197211/flexible-working-a-guide-for-employers.thtml

  • Anonymous says:

    I have just finished my maternity leave and am using my accrued leave (not yet physically returned to work). I am pregnant with my second child and I was wondering if being on my annual leave counts as being back at work/returned to work?
    I have read that a second period of maternity leave can begin without physically returning as long as the correct notice has been provided to the employer, is this correct?
    Thank you

    Editor: You can begin a second period of maternity leave while on maternity leave, but for maternity pay purposes you will be assessed on your average earnings in the eight weeks up to your 26th week of pregnancy, which may be in the unpaid part of your maternity leave. You do not state how pregnant you are. Therefore, financially, it may be worth returning to work, even for a short time.

     

  • Anonymous says:

    I get paid extra mat pay (occupational mat pay) which is higher than SMP. If I decide not to return after my mat leave comes to an end, do I legally have to pay the extra pay back?
    The reason I ask is because I won't be able to afford child care and as I won't be earning I think I will struggle financially. Otherwise I may be able to suggest a payment plan per month, but this will put me years in debt.
    I haven't signed anything however the mat policy for my company says I have to return for 3 months in order to retain the enhanced payments.
    If I do decide to return for the 3 months can I request part time/reduced hours and what happens if this request is turned down, where can I go for help?

    Editor: If it says in your contract you have to pay it back you should assume that you will have to. You can request flexible working and if your appeal is turned down for reasons which do not fit within the legislation you can appeal – see https://www.workingmums.co.uk/advice-and-support/career-advice/197211/flexible-working-a-guide-for-employers.thtml

  • Anonymous says:

    I have just finished my maternity leave and am using my accrued leave (not yet physically returned to work). I am pregnant with my second child and I was wondering if being on my annual leave counts as being back at work/returned to work?
    I have read that a second period of maternity leave can begin without physically returning as long as the correct notice has been provided to the employer, is this correct?
    Thank you

    Editor: You can begin a second period of maternity leave while on maternity leave, but for maternity pay purposes you will be assessed on your average earnings in the eight weeks up to your 26th week of pregnancy, which may be in the unpaid part of your maternity leave. You do not state how pregnant you are. Therefore, financially, it may be worth returning to work, even for a short time.

     

  • Anonymous says:

    I am a teacher and I am on a temporary contract for a year. I started in September '13 and it will end August '14. I have just discovered that i am pregnant and think it will be due at the end of August/ start of September 14. Can I get Maternity pay from work if the contract has run out?

    Editor: as long as you were not pregnant when you started and are still there past the 26th week of your pregnancy you should be eligible for SMP whatever happens after the 26th week.

     

  • Anonymous says:

    I am a teacher and I am on a temporary contract for a year. I started in September '13 and it will end August '14. I have just discovered that i am pregnant and think it will be due at the end of August/ start of September 14. Can I get Maternity pay from work if the contract has run out?

    Editor: as long as you were not pregnant when you started and are still there past the 26th week of your pregnancy you should be eligible for SMP whatever happens after the 26th week.

     

  • Anonymous says:

    I am a teacher and I am on a temporary contract for a year. I started in September '13 and it will end August '14. I have just discovered that i am pregnant and think it will be due at the end of August/ start of September 14. Can I get Maternity pay from work if the contract has run out?

    Editor: as long as you were not pregnant when you started and are still there past the 26th week of your pregnancy you should be eligible for SMP whatever happens after the 26th week.

     

  • Anonymous says:

    Hi, I work for local government but moved boroughs in September. I have nearly 5 years continuous service, but have only worked in this job role for this local authority for 4 months. I am on a temporary contract that I was originally told was standard and would be renewed in April. I have since become pregnant and am due in june. It is now in doubt that my contract will be renewed and they have said this is due to government funding cuts. If my contract does not get renewed am I still entitled to SMP? I have been told yes as I have the continuous service by one manager, but no by another as I had only worked for this authority a few weeks when I got caught pregnant. .. thank you x

    Editor: Was there any gap between contracts and were you permanent before? If not, you should qualify, according to your HR expert Sandra Beale. See https://www.gov.uk/continuous-employment-what-it-is about gaps.

  • Anonymous says:

    Hi, I work for local government but moved boroughs in September. I have nearly 5 years continuous service, but have only worked in this job role for this local authority for 4 months. I am on a temporary contract that I was originally told was standard and would be renewed in April. I have since become pregnant and am due in june. It is now in doubt that my contract will be renewed and they have said this is due to government funding cuts. If my contract does not get renewed am I still entitled to SMP? I have been told yes as I have the continuous service by one manager, but no by another as I had only worked for this authority a few weeks when I got caught pregnant. .. thank you x

    Editor: Was there any gap between contracts and were you permanent before? If not, you should qualify, according to your HR expert Sandra Beale. See https://www.gov.uk/continuous-employment-what-it-is about gaps.

  • Anonymous says:

    Hi, I work for local government but moved boroughs in September. I have nearly 5 years continuous service, but have only worked in this job role for this local authority for 4 months. I am on a temporary contract that I was originally told was standard and would be renewed in April. I have since become pregnant and am due in june. It is now in doubt that my contract will be renewed and they have said this is due to government funding cuts. If my contract does not get renewed am I still entitled to SMP? I have been told yes as I have the continuous service by one manager, but no by another as I had only worked for this authority a few weeks when I got caught pregnant. .. thank you x

    Editor: Was there any gap between contracts and were you permanent before? If not, you should qualify, according to your HR expert Sandra Beale. See https://www.gov.uk/continuous-employment-what-it-is about gaps.

  • Anonymous says:

    Hi,

    I think I am going to be dismissed from my employment while on maternity leave, would I have to repay the company enhanced maternity pay if I am dismissed? Or would I only repay this if I resigned?

    Editor: Our HR expert Sandra Beale says you would have to pay back the occupational maternity pay if you are dismissed or if you resigned, but not the SMP part.

  • Anonymous says:

    Hi,

    I think I am going to be dismissed from my employment while on maternity leave, would I have to repay the company enhanced maternity pay if I am dismissed? Or would I only repay this if I resigned?

    Editor: Our HR expert Sandra Beale says you would have to pay back the occupational maternity pay if you are dismissed or if you resigned, but not the SMP part.

  • Anonymous says:

    Hi,

    I think I am going to be dismissed from my employment while on maternity leave, would I have to repay the company enhanced maternity pay if I am dismissed? Or would I only repay this if I resigned?

    Editor: Our HR expert Sandra Beale says you would have to pay back the occupational maternity pay if you are dismissed or if you resigned, but not the SMP part.

  • Anonymous says:

    Thank you, just another question, my baby is due to be born on May 10th 2014, I had planned to start my SMP on the 17th April. I get 100 hours 48 mins holiday entitlement. I have planned to take 29 hours holidays before this date in April. Therefore this would leave only 54 hours before my due date. I would have 17 left. Are you allowed to take those and and start my SMP on, for example, 15th May?

    Editor: You can choose the date when you want to start getting your SMP. This is usually the first day of your maternity leave. You do not have to be actually at work to have this choice. For example, you might be off sick. However, if you have already agreed a day for your SMP to start with your employer, you need to give 28 days' notice if you want to change that.

  • Anonymous says:

    Hi Can someone advise me, I currently work part time 18 hours per week. I am due to start my maternity leave on 17th April. I wanted to know about my holidays as they run January to December. I will accrue some before I leave in April, but what happens to my holidays between April and December 2014?

    Many Thanks, Louise

    Editor: Hi Louise, you continue to accrue annual leave during maternity leave in the normal way. You can take this holiday before your maternity leave or add it on at the end of your leave, but if your employer does not normally allow staff to carry leave over from one year to another you would have to speak to them as soon as possible if you do not want to risk losing that leave.

     

  • Anonymous says:

    Thank you, just another question, my baby is due to be born on May 10th 2014, I had planned to start my SMP on the 17th April. I get 100 hours 48 mins holiday entitlement. I have planned to take 29 hours holidays before this date in April. Therefore this would leave only 54 hours before my due date. I would have 17 left. Are you allowed to take those and and start my SMP on, for example, 15th May?

    Editor: You can choose the date when you want to start getting your SMP. This is usually the first day of your maternity leave. You do not have to be actually at work to have this choice. For example, you might be off sick. However, if you have already agreed a day for your SMP to start with your employer, you need to give 28 days' notice if you want to change that.

  • Anonymous says:

    Hi Can someone advise me, I currently work part time 18 hours per week. I am due to start my maternity leave on 17th April. I wanted to know about my holidays as they run January to December. I will accrue some before I leave in April, but what happens to my holidays between April and December 2014?

    Many Thanks, Louise

    Editor: Hi Louise, you continue to accrue annual leave during maternity leave in the normal way. You can take this holiday before your maternity leave or add it on at the end of your leave, but if your employer does not normally allow staff to carry leave over from one year to another you would have to speak to them as soon as possible if you do not want to risk losing that leave.

     

  • Anonymous says:

    Thank you, just another question, my baby is due to be born on May 10th 2014, I had planned to start my SMP on the 17th April. I get 100 hours 48 mins holiday entitlement. I have planned to take 29 hours holidays before this date in April. Therefore this would leave only 54 hours before my due date. I would have 17 left. Are you allowed to take those and and start my SMP on, for example, 15th May?

    Editor: You can choose the date when you want to start getting your SMP. This is usually the first day of your maternity leave. You do not have to be actually at work to have this choice. For example, you might be off sick. However, if you have already agreed a day for your SMP to start with your employer, you need to give 28 days' notice if you want to change that.

  • Anonymous says:

    Hi Can someone advise me, I currently work part time 18 hours per week. I am due to start my maternity leave on 17th April. I wanted to know about my holidays as they run January to December. I will accrue some before I leave in April, but what happens to my holidays between April and December 2014?

    Many Thanks, Louise

    Editor: Hi Louise, you continue to accrue annual leave during maternity leave in the normal way. You can take this holiday before your maternity leave or add it on at the end of your leave, but if your employer does not normally allow staff to carry leave over from one year to another you would have to speak to them as soon as possible if you do not want to risk losing that leave.

     

  • Anonymous says:

    hi there, I wonder if you can help me with a complex issue. I was on a temporary contract covering secondment for my local council for 1 yr 8months. I went on maternity leave and 6 weeks later my contract ended and was not renewed as the person whom I was covering for returned from secondment, meaning I was made unemployed. I am now 7 months into my maternity period. I lost the omp i would have recieved as i cannot return to my job (not my choice). what i really want to know is can i expect them to offer me an alternative job when my maternity period ends?

    Editor: Your employer will be acting unlawfully if they refuse to employ you, refuse to renew your fixed term contract, or if they dismiss you because of pregnancy or maternity leave absence. However, an employer can decide not to renew your fixed term contract during an employee's maternity leave if there is genuinely no other work for you.

  • Anonymous says:

    hi there, I wonder if you can help me with a complex issue. I was on a temporary contract covering secondment for my local council for 1 yr 8months. I went on maternity leave and 6 weeks later my contract ended and was not renewed as the person whom I was covering for returned from secondment, meaning I was made unemployed. I am now 7 months into my maternity period. I lost the omp i would have recieved as i cannot return to my job (not my choice). what i really want to know is can i expect them to offer me an alternative job when my maternity period ends?

    Editor: Your employer will be acting unlawfully if they refuse to employ you, refuse to renew your fixed term contract, or if they dismiss you because of pregnancy or maternity leave absence. However, an employer can decide not to renew your fixed term contract during an employee's maternity leave if there is genuinely no other work for you.

  • Anonymous says:

    hi there, I wonder if you can help me with a complex issue. I was on a temporary contract covering secondment for my local council for 1 yr 8months. I went on maternity leave and 6 weeks later my contract ended and was not renewed as the person whom I was covering for returned from secondment, meaning I was made unemployed. I am now 7 months into my maternity period. I lost the omp i would have recieved as i cannot return to my job (not my choice). what i really want to know is can i expect them to offer me an alternative job when my maternity period ends?

    Editor: Your employer will be acting unlawfully if they refuse to employ you, refuse to renew your fixed term contract, or if they dismiss you because of pregnancy or maternity leave absence. However, an employer can decide not to renew your fixed term contract during an employee's maternity leave if there is genuinely no other work for you.

  • Anonymous says:

    Please can you advise me? I am on a fixed term contract which will have lasted for 21 months. It expires in the middle of my maternity leave (My baby is due in March and my contract finishes in August). The maternity leave policy states that I have to come back to work for three months after my maternity leave or pay back the money. However, I am unable to do this as I will no longer have a contract. Will I no longer be entitled to the paid maternity leave or will they have to extend my contract?
    Thank you!

    Editor: You need to check this with your HR department. I am taking it that you qualify for enhanced maternity pay? To qualify for the SMP element you need to have worked for your employer since just before you got pregnant to at least the 26th week of your pregnancy. You should be entitled to the SMP element in any event and that does not have to be paid back, but companies vary on enhanced maternity pay.

  • Anonymous says:

    Please can you advise me? I am on a fixed term contract which will have lasted for 21 months. It expires in the middle of my maternity leave (My baby is due in March and my contract finishes in August). The maternity leave policy states that I have to come back to work for three months after my maternity leave or pay back the money. However, I am unable to do this as I will no longer have a contract. Will I no longer be entitled to the paid maternity leave or will they have to extend my contract?
    Thank you!

    Editor: You need to check this with your HR department. I am taking it that you qualify for enhanced maternity pay? To qualify for the SMP element you need to have worked for your employer since just before you got pregnant to at least the 26th week of your pregnancy. You should be entitled to the SMP element in any event and that does not have to be paid back, but companies vary on enhanced maternity pay.

  • Anonymous says:

    Please can you advise me? I am on a fixed term contract which will have lasted for 21 months. It expires in the middle of my maternity leave (My baby is due in March and my contract finishes in August). The maternity leave policy states that I have to come back to work for three months after my maternity leave or pay back the money. However, I am unable to do this as I will no longer have a contract. Will I no longer be entitled to the paid maternity leave or will they have to extend my contract?
    Thank you!

    Editor: You need to check this with your HR department. I am taking it that you qualify for enhanced maternity pay? To qualify for the SMP element you need to have worked for your employer since just before you got pregnant to at least the 26th week of your pregnancy. You should be entitled to the SMP element in any event and that does not have to be paid back, but companies vary on enhanced maternity pay.

  • Anonymous says:

    I returned to work as a teacher in September on a part time basis (4 days a week). My husband and I are hoping to start trying for another child however I am not suppose to go back full time until April 2014. If I fall pregnant before I go back full time will this effect my maternity pay? Thanks

    Editor: SMP is based on your average weekly earnings in the eight weeks leading up to your 26th week of pregnancy.

  • Anonymous says:

    I returned to work as a teacher in September on a part time basis (4 days a week). My husband and I are hoping to start trying for another child however I am not suppose to go back full time until April 2014. If I fall pregnant before I go back full time will this effect my maternity pay? Thanks

    Editor: SMP is based on your average weekly earnings in the eight weeks leading up to your 26th week of pregnancy.

  • Anonymous says:

    I returned to work as a teacher in September on a part time basis (4 days a week). My husband and I are hoping to start trying for another child however I am not suppose to go back full time until April 2014. If I fall pregnant before I go back full time will this effect my maternity pay? Thanks

    Editor: SMP is based on your average weekly earnings in the eight weeks leading up to your 26th week of pregnancy.

  • Anonymous says:

    I am on maternity leave and the company I worked for who was paying my maternity pay has gone into liquidation. I have called to sort out getting this paid from the government and forms are being sent out. However, this could take a few weeks and as I got paid weekly I'm running out of money! Also as it is towards the end of the month my partner is also the same. Is there anything I can claim whilst this is all being sorted?

    Editor: Contact http://www.turn2us.org.uk

  • Anonymous says:

    I am on maternity leave and the company I worked for who was paying my maternity pay has gone into liquidation. I have called to sort out getting this paid from the government and forms are being sent out. However, this could take a few weeks and as I got paid weekly I'm running out of money! Also as it is towards the end of the month my partner is also the same. Is there anything I can claim whilst this is all being sorted?

    Editor: Contact http://www.turn2us.org.uk

  • Anonymous says:

    I am on maternity leave and the company I worked for who was paying my maternity pay has gone into liquidation. I have called to sort out getting this paid from the government and forms are being sent out. However, this could take a few weeks and as I got paid weekly I'm running out of money! Also as it is towards the end of the month my partner is also the same. Is there anything I can claim whilst this is all being sorted?

    Editor: Contact http://www.turn2us.org.uk

  • Anonymous says:

    I am currently on smp and have found out I am 5 weeks pregnant but I am not due to go back to work till this baby is 18 weeks which means I will only be back at work for roughly 12 weeks. Will I be entitled to smp for my second child?

    Editor: SMP is based on your average weekly earnings in the eight weeks prior to the 26th week of your pregnancy. If this falls in the unpaid part of your first maternity leave you will not meet the earnings threshold of £109 a week for SMP so you would get Maternity Allowance. It may be worth going back to work earlier to ensure you qualify for SMP second time around.

  • Anonymous says:

    I am currently on smp and have found out I am 5 weeks pregnant but I am not due to go back to work till this baby is 18 weeks which means I will only be back at work for roughly 12 weeks. Will I be entitled to smp for my second child?

    Editor: SMP is based on your average weekly earnings in the eight weeks prior to the 26th week of your pregnancy. If this falls in the unpaid part of your first maternity leave you will not meet the earnings threshold of £109 a week for SMP so you would get Maternity Allowance. It may be worth going back to work earlier to ensure you qualify for SMP second time around.

  • Anonymous says:

    I am currently on smp and have found out I am 5 weeks pregnant but I am not due to go back to work till this baby is 18 weeks which means I will only be back at work for roughly 12 weeks. Will I be entitled to smp for my second child?

    Editor: SMP is based on your average weekly earnings in the eight weeks prior to the 26th week of your pregnancy. If this falls in the unpaid part of your first maternity leave you will not meet the earnings threshold of £109 a week for SMP so you would get Maternity Allowance. It may be worth going back to work earlier to ensure you qualify for SMP second time around.

  • Anonymous says:

    my maternity pay is due to finish end of october but i am not due back to work until january. As I took 12 months off am i entitled to any benefit as will have no other income coming in to house except tax credits and child benefit ??

    Editor: Check http://www.turn2us.org.uk for information about benefits entitlement.

  • Anonymous says:

    Hi
    I am due back to work at the end of January. I won't be returning for many reasons, if I hand in my resignation am I still entitled to smp for the remainder of the maternity leave?

    Editor: Your SMP will only be affected if you start a new job in which case your SMP will stop the week you begin.

  • Anonymous says:

    my maternity pay is due to finish end of october but i am not due back to work until january. As I took 12 months off am i entitled to any benefit as will have no other income coming in to house except tax credits and child benefit ??

    Editor: Check http://www.turn2us.org.uk for information about benefits entitlement.

  • Anonymous says:

    Hi
    I am due back to work at the end of January. I won't be returning for many reasons, if I hand in my resignation am I still entitled to smp for the remainder of the maternity leave?

    Editor: Your SMP will only be affected if you start a new job in which case your SMP will stop the week you begin.

  • Anonymous says:

    my maternity pay is due to finish end of october but i am not due back to work until january. As I took 12 months off am i entitled to any benefit as will have no other income coming in to house except tax credits and child benefit ??

    Editor: Check http://www.turn2us.org.uk for information about benefits entitlement.

  • Anonymous says:

    Hi
    I am due back to work at the end of January. I won't be returning for many reasons, if I hand in my resignation am I still entitled to smp for the remainder of the maternity leave?

    Editor: Your SMP will only be affected if you start a new job in which case your SMP will stop the week you begin.

  • Anonymous says:

    I went back to work 4 days a week in July after maternity leave and I'm 15 weeks pregnant. Am I still entitled to my holidays for this year?

    Editor: You continue to accrue holidays in maternity leave so you will still get any annual leave that is due to you.

  • Anonymous says:

    I went back to work 4 days a week in July after maternity leave and I'm 15 weeks pregnant. Am I still entitled to my holidays for this year?

    Editor: You continue to accrue holidays in maternity leave so you will still get any annual leave that is due to you.

  • Anonymous says:

    I went back to work 4 days a week in July after maternity leave and I'm 15 weeks pregnant. Am I still entitled to my holidays for this year?

    Editor: You continue to accrue holidays in maternity leave so you will still get any annual leave that is due to you.

  • Anonymous says:

    Hi! I have been registered as self-employed since Nov 2012 (and paying class 2 contributions during this time) and my baby is due in Feb 2014. My work has been fairly sporadic, so I currently haven't worked in 26 separate weeks. Am I still eligible for Maternity Allowance? Thanks!

    Editor: For MA you need to have worked 26 weeks in the 66 weeks leading up to your baby's due date.

  • Anonymous says:

    Hi! I have been registered as self-employed since Nov 2012 (and paying class 2 contributions during this time) and my baby is due in Feb 2014. My work has been fairly sporadic, so I currently haven't worked in 26 separate weeks. Am I still eligible for Maternity Allowance? Thanks!

    Editor: For MA you need to have worked 26 weeks in the 66 weeks leading up to your baby's due date.

  • Anonymous says:

    Hi! I have been registered as self-employed since Nov 2012 (and paying class 2 contributions during this time) and my baby is due in Feb 2014. My work has been fairly sporadic, so I currently haven't worked in 26 separate weeks. Am I still eligible for Maternity Allowance? Thanks!

    Editor: For MA you need to have worked 26 weeks in the 66 weeks leading up to your baby's due date.

  • Anonymous says:

    my materity leave pay is up now all i am getting is 75 pounds , i would like to get some week end jobs just to help with bills but i cannot go back to working fully yet .
    am i ok to do that ?

    Editor: are you talking about SMP? I am not sure where the £75 is coming from. If you are outside the paid part of your maternity leave [ie SMP has ceased] you would not be affected if you took up weekend jobs. If you are still receiving any maternity pay this would stop the week you start a new job. However, you might want to consider whether you should let your employer know in case they find out by some other route. 

  • Anonymous says:

    Hey, my maternity pay is coming to an end. I don't wish to return to work, do I have to hand in my resignation before the 39 weeks or can I do it before the 52 weeks so I accumulate more holiday days? Also am I entitled to holiday pay even if I'm not going back?

    Editor: On maternity leave you continue to accrue holiday as normal. If you resign you accrue holiday up until your notice period is served. Employers must pay for untaken statutory leave.  

  • Anonymous says:

    Hi, im 17 weeks pregnant and my baby is due on the 7th March 2014. Im currently temping and have been for nearly 3 months. I would like to leave for maternity in December. Will I be entitled to smp or maternity allowance?. I recently moved so wasnt working for 4 months.

    Editor: You would be entitled to SMP if you were working for the same employer from just before you became pregnant to at least the 26th week of your pregnany and were earning over £109 a week. Otherwise you may be entitled to Maternity Allowance if you have worked for 26 weeks in the 66 weeks leading up to your baby's due date and earn £30 a week in any 13-week period.

  • Anonymous says:

    my materity leave pay is up now all i am getting is 75 pounds , i would like to get some week end jobs just to help with bills but i cannot go back to working fully yet .
    am i ok to do that ?

    Editor: are you talking about SMP? I am not sure where the £75 is coming from. If you are outside the paid part of your maternity leave [ie SMP has ceased] you would not be affected if you took up weekend jobs. If you are still receiving any maternity pay this would stop the week you start a new job. However, you might want to consider whether you should let your employer know in case they find out by some other route. 

  • Anonymous says:

    Hey, my maternity pay is coming to an end. I don't wish to return to work, do I have to hand in my resignation before the 39 weeks or can I do it before the 52 weeks so I accumulate more holiday days? Also am I entitled to holiday pay even if I'm not going back?

    Editor: On maternity leave you continue to accrue holiday as normal. If you resign you accrue holiday up until your notice period is served. Employers must pay for untaken statutory leave.  

  • Anonymous says:

    Hi, im 17 weeks pregnant and my baby is due on the 7th March 2014. Im currently temping and have been for nearly 3 months. I would like to leave for maternity in December. Will I be entitled to smp or maternity allowance?. I recently moved so wasnt working for 4 months.

    Editor: You would be entitled to SMP if you were working for the same employer from just before you became pregnant to at least the 26th week of your pregnany and were earning over £109 a week. Otherwise you may be entitled to Maternity Allowance if you have worked for 26 weeks in the 66 weeks leading up to your baby's due date and earn £30 a week in any 13-week period.

  • Anonymous says:

    my materity leave pay is up now all i am getting is 75 pounds , i would like to get some week end jobs just to help with bills but i cannot go back to working fully yet .
    am i ok to do that ?

    Editor: are you talking about SMP? I am not sure where the £75 is coming from. If you are outside the paid part of your maternity leave [ie SMP has ceased] you would not be affected if you took up weekend jobs. If you are still receiving any maternity pay this would stop the week you start a new job. However, you might want to consider whether you should let your employer know in case they find out by some other route. 

  • Anonymous says:

    Hey, my maternity pay is coming to an end. I don't wish to return to work, do I have to hand in my resignation before the 39 weeks or can I do it before the 52 weeks so I accumulate more holiday days? Also am I entitled to holiday pay even if I'm not going back?

    Editor: On maternity leave you continue to accrue holiday as normal. If you resign you accrue holiday up until your notice period is served. Employers must pay for untaken statutory leave.  

  • Anonymous says:

    Hi, im 17 weeks pregnant and my baby is due on the 7th March 2014. Im currently temping and have been for nearly 3 months. I would like to leave for maternity in December. Will I be entitled to smp or maternity allowance?. I recently moved so wasnt working for 4 months.

    Editor: You would be entitled to SMP if you were working for the same employer from just before you became pregnant to at least the 26th week of your pregnany and were earning over £109 a week. Otherwise you may be entitled to Maternity Allowance if you have worked for 26 weeks in the 66 weeks leading up to your baby's due date and earn £30 a week in any 13-week period.

  • Anonymous says:

    My daughter's maternity leave finishes on 18 November. She will not be going back to the company she was working for but has been offered a part-time job starting now. Can she take this job and still claim her maternity leave until November or would she have to wait until November to start the part-time job?

    Editor: I am not clear at what stage of her maternity leave your daughter is. If she is past the paid part of SMP, she can start a new job, but she is still employed so would need to give her due notice. If she is receiving SMP, her payments would stop from the week she started a new job.

  • Anonymous says:

    My daughter's maternity leave finishes on 18 November. She will not be going back to the company she was working for but has been offered a part-time job starting now. Can she take this job and still claim her maternity leave until November or would she have to wait until November to start the part-time job?

    Editor: I am not clear at what stage of her maternity leave your daughter is. If she is past the paid part of SMP, she can start a new job, but she is still employed so would need to give her due notice. If she is receiving SMP, her payments would stop from the week she started a new job.

  • Anonymous says:

    My daughter's maternity leave finishes on 18 November. She will not be going back to the company she was working for but has been offered a part-time job starting now. Can she take this job and still claim her maternity leave until November or would she have to wait until November to start the part-time job?

    Editor: I am not clear at what stage of her maternity leave your daughter is. If she is past the paid part of SMP, she can start a new job, but she is still employed so would need to give her due notice. If she is receiving SMP, her payments would stop from the week she started a new job.

  • Anonymous says:

    Hi, I'm self employed and currently receiving the full amount of MA as I was employed for a short period during the 66 week test period.

    I will be receiving MA until November13. I have just found out we are expecting again. Can I claim MA again? Can my test period figures be based on the current MA allowance I am receiving? do you know if that would be the full amount again or would it be less?

    Editor: It would depend if you have been working for 26 weeks during the 66 weeks before the due date of your second baby and have earned an average of £30 over any 13-week period – see https://www.gov.uk/maternity-allowance/eligibility

  • Anonymous says:

    Hi, I'm self employed and currently receiving the full amount of MA as I was employed for a short period during the 66 week test period.

    I will be receiving MA until November13. I have just found out we are expecting again. Can I claim MA again? Can my test period figures be based on the current MA allowance I am receiving? do you know if that would be the full amount again or would it be less?

    Editor: It would depend if you have been working for 26 weeks during the 66 weeks before the due date of your second baby and have earned an average of £30 over any 13-week period – see https://www.gov.uk/maternity-allowance/eligibility

  • Anonymous says:

    Hi, I'm self employed and currently receiving the full amount of MA as I was employed for a short period during the 66 week test period.

    I will be receiving MA until November13. I have just found out we are expecting again. Can I claim MA again? Can my test period figures be based on the current MA allowance I am receiving? do you know if that would be the full amount again or would it be less?

    Editor: It would depend if you have been working for 26 weeks during the 66 weeks before the due date of your second baby and have earned an average of £30 over any 13-week period – see https://www.gov.uk/maternity-allowance/eligibility

  • Anonymous says:

    hi, I have 2 part time jobs, I work in a school and also work as the secretary to my partner's business. What criteria do I need to meet to receive smp or maternity pay? And would I claim from both employers or hmrc?

    Editor: To qualify for SMP, you must have been working for your employer from just before you became pregnant to at least the 26th week of your pregnancy and to be earning at least £109 a week. To qualify for Maternity Allowance you need to have worked for 26 weeks in the 66 weeks before your due date and earn a minimum of £30 a week. You can claim for both jobs, but you cannot claim two lots of MA or MA and SMP.

  • Anonymous says:

    hi, I have 2 part time jobs, I work in a school and also work as the secretary to my partner's business. What criteria do I need to meet to receive smp or maternity pay? And would I claim from both employers or hmrc?

    Editor: To qualify for SMP, you must have been working for your employer from just before you became pregnant to at least the 26th week of your pregnancy and to be earning at least £109 a week. To qualify for Maternity Allowance you need to have worked for 26 weeks in the 66 weeks before your due date and earn a minimum of £30 a week. You can claim for both jobs, but you cannot claim two lots of MA or MA and SMP.

  • Anonymous says:

    hi, I have 2 part time jobs, I work in a school and also work as the secretary to my partner's business. What criteria do I need to meet to receive smp or maternity pay? And would I claim from both employers or hmrc?

    Editor: To qualify for SMP, you must have been working for your employer from just before you became pregnant to at least the 26th week of your pregnancy and to be earning at least £109 a week. To qualify for Maternity Allowance you need to have worked for 26 weeks in the 66 weeks before your due date and earn a minimum of £30 a week. You can claim for both jobs, but you cannot claim two lots of MA or MA and SMP.

  • Anonymous says:

    Hi, I'm currently 5 months into my SMP and I'm considering starting a degree. If I start a full time degree and get a maintenance grant and student loan, will I still receive SMP or will it be stopped?

    Editor: A grant is not considered earnings so it will not be stopped.

  • Anonymous says:

    Hi, I'm currently 5 months into my SMP and I'm considering starting a degree. If I start a full time degree and get a maintenance grant and student loan, will I still receive SMP or will it be stopped?

    Editor: A grant is not considered earnings so it will not be stopped.

  • Anonymous says:

    Hi, I'm currently 5 months into my SMP and I'm considering starting a degree. If I start a full time degree and get a maintenance grant and student loan, will I still receive SMP or will it be stopped?

    Editor: A grant is not considered earnings so it will not be stopped.

  • Anonymous says:

    Hi, I work on a part time basis and am currently on maternity leave, month four, I am due to go back in January, however I don't think I will be returning due to the commute and child care issues. When do I need to inform employer that I won't be returning, and would I still be entitled to the holiday that should of been accrued? . If I told them now would they stop the smp. Advice appreciated

    Editor: You need to give your contractual notice and you will accrue holiday up to the end of your notice period. You will not have to return SMP.

  • Anonymous says:

    Hi, I have been working in the same position in a school for 66 weeks up until I went on Maternity leave the week after. The first 29 weeks were on a temporary contract, but I continued as permanent continuously after that. My employer has paid me SMP up until August 16th 2013 (my mat leave started on 15th April 2013). They now say I have to claim MA. Am I eligible for MA and have they the right to stop paying me SMP?

    Editor: Your SMP will not stop unless you start a new job. In any event after the first six weeks the amounts for MA and SMP are the same. If you cannot solve this with your employer, you can phone the HM Revenue & Customs employee's enquiry line on 0845 302 1479 for advice.

  • Anonymous says:

    Hi, I work on a part time basis and am currently on maternity leave, month four, I am due to go back in January, however I don't think I will be returning due to the commute and child care issues. When do I need to inform employer that I won't be returning, and would I still be entitled to the holiday that should of been accrued? . If I told them now would they stop the smp. Advice appreciated

    Editor: You need to give your contractual notice and you will accrue holiday up to the end of your notice period. You will not have to return SMP.

  • Anonymous says:

    Hi, I have been working in the same position in a school for 66 weeks up until I went on Maternity leave the week after. The first 29 weeks were on a temporary contract, but I continued as permanent continuously after that. My employer has paid me SMP up until August 16th 2013 (my mat leave started on 15th April 2013). They now say I have to claim MA. Am I eligible for MA and have they the right to stop paying me SMP?

    Editor: Your SMP will not stop unless you start a new job. In any event after the first six weeks the amounts for MA and SMP are the same. If you cannot solve this with your employer, you can phone the HM Revenue & Customs employee's enquiry line on 0845 302 1479 for advice.

  • Anonymous says:

    Hi, I work on a part time basis and am currently on maternity leave, month four, I am due to go back in January, however I don't think I will be returning due to the commute and child care issues. When do I need to inform employer that I won't be returning, and would I still be entitled to the holiday that should of been accrued? . If I told them now would they stop the smp. Advice appreciated

    Editor: You need to give your contractual notice and you will accrue holiday up to the end of your notice period. You will not have to return SMP.

  • Anonymous says:

    Hi, I have been working in the same position in a school for 66 weeks up until I went on Maternity leave the week after. The first 29 weeks were on a temporary contract, but I continued as permanent continuously after that. My employer has paid me SMP up until August 16th 2013 (my mat leave started on 15th April 2013). They now say I have to claim MA. Am I eligible for MA and have they the right to stop paying me SMP?

    Editor: Your SMP will not stop unless you start a new job. In any event after the first six weeks the amounts for MA and SMP are the same. If you cannot solve this with your employer, you can phone the HM Revenue & Customs employee's enquiry line on 0845 302 1479 for advice.

  • Anonymous says:

    My employer does not yet know about my pregnancy. This is due to the original start date was January & they were unable to offer me the job back then, but were very impressed with my interview & would keep me on their database for 6 months, which would have ended in June. I was very shocked to be offered the job today (out of the blue) after such a long time without any contact. My initial reaction was to accept as it's a job that I really wanted. On reflection I'm starting to panic due to falling pregnant….. If I was offered this job when I originally applied, I would have been entitled to maternity leave as my due date isn't until February.

    With regards to informing my employer about my pregnancy, I was planning to do so when training commences. However, I understand that I do not have to do his until 15 weeks before the week of my due date.

    please can you advise of the best practice?

    thanks in advance, this a really inormative & helpful site. 🙂

    Editor: While you may not have to inform your employer now, it is probably a good idea to be honest in terms of establishing a good working relationship. They have offered you the job and legally they cannot rescind that offer due to your pregnancy as this would constitute discrimination.

  • Anonymous says:

    Hello, I applied for a job in January and have been offered the job part time, but on a permanent contract. When I originally applied I wasn't pregnant, now I am 17 weeks pregnant. Am I entitled to any benefits and can I return after maternity leave?

    Editor: It sounds as if you have not yet started the job in which case you would not be entitled to SMP, but depending on when you last worked before this, you may be entitled to Maternity Allowance. You would have to have worked for 26 weeks in the 66 weeks leading up to your due date – see https://www.gov.uk/maternity-allowance/eligibility. If you are permanent you would be entitled to return after maternity leave. Does your employer know about your pregnancy?

  • Anonymous says:

    My employer does not yet know about my pregnancy. This is due to the original start date was January & they were unable to offer me the job back then, but were very impressed with my interview & would keep me on their database for 6 months, which would have ended in June. I was very shocked to be offered the job today (out of the blue) after such a long time without any contact. My initial reaction was to accept as it's a job that I really wanted. On reflection I'm starting to panic due to falling pregnant….. If I was offered this job when I originally applied, I would have been entitled to maternity leave as my due date isn't until February.

    With regards to informing my employer about my pregnancy, I was planning to do so when training commences. However, I understand that I do not have to do his until 15 weeks before the week of my due date.

    please can you advise of the best practice?

    thanks in advance, this a really inormative & helpful site. 🙂

    Editor: While you may not have to inform your employer now, it is probably a good idea to be honest in terms of establishing a good working relationship. They have offered you the job and legally they cannot rescind that offer due to your pregnancy as this would constitute discrimination.

  • Anonymous says:

    Hello, I applied for a job in January and have been offered the job part time, but on a permanent contract. When I originally applied I wasn't pregnant, now I am 17 weeks pregnant. Am I entitled to any benefits and can I return after maternity leave?

    Editor: It sounds as if you have not yet started the job in which case you would not be entitled to SMP, but depending on when you last worked before this, you may be entitled to Maternity Allowance. You would have to have worked for 26 weeks in the 66 weeks leading up to your due date – see https://www.gov.uk/maternity-allowance/eligibility. If you are permanent you would be entitled to return after maternity leave. Does your employer know about your pregnancy?

  • Anonymous says:

    My employer does not yet know about my pregnancy. This is due to the original start date was January & they were unable to offer me the job back then, but were very impressed with my interview & would keep me on their database for 6 months, which would have ended in June. I was very shocked to be offered the job today (out of the blue) after such a long time without any contact. My initial reaction was to accept as it's a job that I really wanted. On reflection I'm starting to panic due to falling pregnant….. If I was offered this job when I originally applied, I would have been entitled to maternity leave as my due date isn't until February.

    With regards to informing my employer about my pregnancy, I was planning to do so when training commences. However, I understand that I do not have to do his until 15 weeks before the week of my due date.

    please can you advise of the best practice?

    thanks in advance, this a really inormative & helpful site. 🙂

    Editor: While you may not have to inform your employer now, it is probably a good idea to be honest in terms of establishing a good working relationship. They have offered you the job and legally they cannot rescind that offer due to your pregnancy as this would constitute discrimination.

  • Anonymous says:

    Hello, I applied for a job in January and have been offered the job part time, but on a permanent contract. When I originally applied I wasn't pregnant, now I am 17 weeks pregnant. Am I entitled to any benefits and can I return after maternity leave?

    Editor: It sounds as if you have not yet started the job in which case you would not be entitled to SMP, but depending on when you last worked before this, you may be entitled to Maternity Allowance. You would have to have worked for 26 weeks in the 66 weeks leading up to your due date – see https://www.gov.uk/maternity-allowance/eligibility. If you are permanent you would be entitled to return after maternity leave. Does your employer know about your pregnancy?

  • Anonymous says:

    I have stopped working last year in September 2012 and now am due end of September. Am I eligible to get MA?

    Editor: To qualify for MA you need to have worked for at least 26 weeks in the 66 weeks before your due date - https://www.gov.uk/maternity-allowance/eligibility.

  • Anonymous says:

    Am I entitled to use up the rest of my holiday entitlement before I go on maternity leave?

    Editor: Our HR expert Sandra Beale says: An employer can refuse that holiday is taken if inconvenient. Holiday can also be tagged onto the end of maternity leave, but you may not be able to carry holiday over from one year to another – check your contract. Statutory holiday cannot be paid in lieu so if carried over into a new year statutory leave must be taken then. If holiday is enhanced those days can be paid in lieu provided this is written in the contract.

  • Anonymous says:

    I have stopped working last year in September 2012 and now am due end of September. Am I eligible to get MA?

    Editor: To qualify for MA you need to have worked for at least 26 weeks in the 66 weeks before your due date - https://www.gov.uk/maternity-allowance/eligibility.

  • Anonymous says:

    Am I entitled to use up the rest of my holiday entitlement before I go on maternity leave?

    Editor: Our HR expert Sandra Beale says: An employer can refuse that holiday is taken if inconvenient. Holiday can also be tagged onto the end of maternity leave, but you may not be able to carry holiday over from one year to another – check your contract. Statutory holiday cannot be paid in lieu so if carried over into a new year statutory leave must be taken then. If holiday is enhanced those days can be paid in lieu provided this is written in the contract.

  • Anonymous says:

    I have stopped working last year in September 2012 and now am due end of September. Am I eligible to get MA?

    Editor: To qualify for MA you need to have worked for at least 26 weeks in the 66 weeks before your due date - https://www.gov.uk/maternity-allowance/eligibility.

  • Anonymous says:

    Am I entitled to use up the rest of my holiday entitlement before I go on maternity leave?

    Editor: Our HR expert Sandra Beale says: An employer can refuse that holiday is taken if inconvenient. Holiday can also be tagged onto the end of maternity leave, but you may not be able to carry holiday over from one year to another – check your contract. Statutory holiday cannot be paid in lieu so if carried over into a new year statutory leave must be taken then. If holiday is enhanced those days can be paid in lieu provided this is written in the contract.

  • Anonymous says:

    I have a part time job (2 days a week) and for the rest of the week I am self employed and pay tax and national insurance for this job also.

    Can I claim from both? I'm worried I'd struggle financially if only through one as for me both make up a full time job and my husband is a student.

    Editor: I'm afraid you can only claim SMP from your employer and you are not entitled to claim both SMP and Maternity Allowance [for your self employed job]. 

  • Anonymous says:

    I have a part time job (2 days a week) and for the rest of the week I am self employed and pay tax and national insurance for this job also.

    Can I claim from both? I'm worried I'd struggle financially if only through one as for me both make up a full time job and my husband is a student.

    Editor: I'm afraid you can only claim SMP from your employer and you are not entitled to claim both SMP and Maternity Allowance [for your self employed job]. 

  • Anonymous says:

    I have a part time job (2 days a week) and for the rest of the week I am self employed and pay tax and national insurance for this job also.

    Can I claim from both? I'm worried I'd struggle financially if only through one as for me both make up a full time job and my husband is a student.

    Editor: I'm afraid you can only claim SMP from your employer and you are not entitled to claim both SMP and Maternity Allowance [for your self employed job]. 

  • Anonymous says:

    Hi Iooking for some advice! I returned to work on the 24th feb 13 from maternity leave. Six weeks later I found out I was expecting again, due to this and postnatal depression from my last pregnancy, I then took 3 months off sick which I was paid for by company sick pay. I have now returned to wrk 3 days a week instead of full time. I have been back 3 weeks, my question is can I count my sick days as being bk at wrk, as they have been paid by the company, as because they were pregnancy related the sick days should be reinstated, according to my company's polices, I would like to know if I am entitled to smp because if I don't count the sick days I have not worked 26 weeks.

    Editor: As you returned to work, you are considered to be back at work so this still counts as continuous employment for the purposes of SMP – see https://www.gov.uk/continuous-employment-what-it-is. However, if you are on sick pay for the eight week period before your 26th week, this could reduce your SMP as it is calculated according to your average earnings in that period.

  • Anonymous says:

    Hi, my employer told me that in our company I cannot start my maternity leave until until I am 36 weeks. Is this correct our should I be able to leave any time within 11 weeks of my due date?

    Editor: The statutory guidelines are any time within 11 weeks of the due date and cannot be overruled by company policy.

  • Anonymous says:

    Hi Iooking for some advice! I returned to work on the 24th feb 13 from maternity leave. Six weeks later I found out I was expecting again, due to this and postnatal depression from my last pregnancy, I then took 3 months off sick which I was paid for by company sick pay. I have now returned to wrk 3 days a week instead of full time. I have been back 3 weeks, my question is can I count my sick days as being bk at wrk, as they have been paid by the company, as because they were pregnancy related the sick days should be reinstated, according to my company's polices, I would like to know if I am entitled to smp because if I don't count the sick days I have not worked 26 weeks.

    Editor: As you returned to work, you are considered to be back at work so this still counts as continuous employment for the purposes of SMP – see https://www.gov.uk/continuous-employment-what-it-is. However, if you are on sick pay for the eight week period before your 26th week, this could reduce your SMP as it is calculated according to your average earnings in that period.

  • Anonymous says:

    Hi, my employer told me that in our company I cannot start my maternity leave until until I am 36 weeks. Is this correct our should I be able to leave any time within 11 weeks of my due date?

    Editor: The statutory guidelines are any time within 11 weeks of the due date and cannot be overruled by company policy.

  • Anonymous says:

    Hi Iooking for some advice! I returned to work on the 24th feb 13 from maternity leave. Six weeks later I found out I was expecting again, due to this and postnatal depression from my last pregnancy, I then took 3 months off sick which I was paid for by company sick pay. I have now returned to wrk 3 days a week instead of full time. I have been back 3 weeks, my question is can I count my sick days as being bk at wrk, as they have been paid by the company, as because they were pregnancy related the sick days should be reinstated, according to my company's polices, I would like to know if I am entitled to smp because if I don't count the sick days I have not worked 26 weeks.

    Editor: As you returned to work, you are considered to be back at work so this still counts as continuous employment for the purposes of SMP – see https://www.gov.uk/continuous-employment-what-it-is. However, if you are on sick pay for the eight week period before your 26th week, this could reduce your SMP as it is calculated according to your average earnings in that period.

  • Anonymous says:

    Hi, my employer told me that in our company I cannot start my maternity leave until until I am 36 weeks. Is this correct our should I be able to leave any time within 11 weeks of my due date?

    Editor: The statutory guidelines are any time within 11 weeks of the due date and cannot be overruled by company policy.

  • Anonymous says:

    I have 2 jobs – one is as an employee, the other is self employed. After mat leave do I have to return to work on the same date for them both?

    Editor: If you did the jobs before you went on maternity leave you can return at different times to each or even return to one during your maternity leave for the other.

  • Anonymous says:

    I am self employed for 2 days a week in a partnership (from the 8th July 2013) and I'm also employed for 1 day a week (from Nov 2011). Can I claim MA for my self employed work and SMP for my work where I am employee? Both of my contracts offer enhanced maternity pay. Thanks for your help.

    Editor: I'm afraid you cannot claim MA and SMP at the same time. Also, check your contract about enhanced maternity pay – there may be something in there about having to work a year or two before you qualify. 

  • Anonymous says:

    I was wondering why is it that part time workers get paid the same amount in SMP as full time employees??

    It's good for women working part time as it's not a huge difference in wages per month… Whereas I work full time and once the SMP kicks in I would drop over £1,000 per month…

    Some advice on why this is the case would help.

    Thanks.

    Editor: SMP is usually 90% of wages for the first six weeks so it is not the same for part timers and full timers. It is just the subsequent weeks which are at the basic rate and not dependent on hours worked.

  • Anonymous says:

    I have 2 jobs – one is as an employee, the other is self employed. After mat leave do I have to return to work on the same date for them both?

    Editor: If you did the jobs before you went on maternity leave you can return at different times to each or even return to one during your maternity leave for the other.

  • Anonymous says:

    I am self employed for 2 days a week in a partnership (from the 8th July 2013) and I'm also employed for 1 day a week (from Nov 2011). Can I claim MA for my self employed work and SMP for my work where I am employee? Both of my contracts offer enhanced maternity pay. Thanks for your help.

    Editor: I'm afraid you cannot claim MA and SMP at the same time. Also, check your contract about enhanced maternity pay – there may be something in there about having to work a year or two before you qualify. 

  • Anonymous says:

    I was wondering why is it that part time workers get paid the same amount in SMP as full time employees??

    It's good for women working part time as it's not a huge difference in wages per month… Whereas I work full time and once the SMP kicks in I would drop over £1,000 per month…

    Some advice on why this is the case would help.

    Thanks.

    Editor: SMP is usually 90% of wages for the first six weeks so it is not the same for part timers and full timers. It is just the subsequent weeks which are at the basic rate and not dependent on hours worked.

  • Anonymous says:

    I have 2 jobs – one is as an employee, the other is self employed. After mat leave do I have to return to work on the same date for them both?

    Editor: If you did the jobs before you went on maternity leave you can return at different times to each or even return to one during your maternity leave for the other.

  • Anonymous says:

    I am self employed for 2 days a week in a partnership (from the 8th July 2013) and I'm also employed for 1 day a week (from Nov 2011). Can I claim MA for my self employed work and SMP for my work where I am employee? Both of my contracts offer enhanced maternity pay. Thanks for your help.

    Editor: I'm afraid you cannot claim MA and SMP at the same time. Also, check your contract about enhanced maternity pay – there may be something in there about having to work a year or two before you qualify. 

  • Anonymous says:

    I was wondering why is it that part time workers get paid the same amount in SMP as full time employees??

    It's good for women working part time as it's not a huge difference in wages per month… Whereas I work full time and once the SMP kicks in I would drop over £1,000 per month…

    Some advice on why this is the case would help.

    Thanks.

    Editor: SMP is usually 90% of wages for the first six weeks so it is not the same for part timers and full timers. It is just the subsequent weeks which are at the basic rate and not dependent on hours worked.

  • Anonymous says:

    When must an employer inform me of what my maternity pay will be?

    I calculated it (admittedly incorrectly) and asked my employer to confirm my calculations. They have not come back to me to confirm what it will be until I was 2 weeks into SMP. It will be lower due to my use of childcare vouchers which I did not know affected SMP, but had I known sooner I could have adjusted my pay and been around £300 better off.

    Editor: See https://www.gov.uk/maternity-pay-leave/how-to-claim

  • Anonymous says:

    When must an employer inform me of what my maternity pay will be?

    I calculated it (admittedly incorrectly) and asked my employer to confirm my calculations. They have not come back to me to confirm what it will be until I was 2 weeks into SMP. It will be lower due to my use of childcare vouchers which I did not know affected SMP, but had I known sooner I could have adjusted my pay and been around £300 better off.

    Editor: See https://www.gov.uk/maternity-pay-leave/how-to-claim

  • Anonymous says:

    When must an employer inform me of what my maternity pay will be?

    I calculated it (admittedly incorrectly) and asked my employer to confirm my calculations. They have not come back to me to confirm what it will be until I was 2 weeks into SMP. It will be lower due to my use of childcare vouchers which I did not know affected SMP, but had I known sooner I could have adjusted my pay and been around £300 better off.

    Editor: See https://www.gov.uk/maternity-pay-leave/how-to-claim

  • Anonymous says:

    I only work one day a week in my current job (employed 7yrs) after returning from maternity leave. Looking forward we are considering another baby in the future, but will I still be entitled to SMP? I earn £300 a month.

    Editor: To qualify for SMP you need to satisfy the continuous employment rule [which you appear to have] and the earning rule – you need to be earning an average of at least £109 a week in the eight weeks leading up to the 26th week of your pregnancy.

  • Anonymous says:

    I only work one day a week in my current job (employed 7yrs) after returning from maternity leave. Looking forward we are considering another baby in the future, but will I still be entitled to SMP? I earn £300 a month.

    Editor: To qualify for SMP you need to satisfy the continuous employment rule [which you appear to have] and the earning rule – you need to be earning an average of at least £109 a week in the eight weeks leading up to the 26th week of your pregnancy.

  • Anonymous says:

    I only work one day a week in my current job (employed 7yrs) after returning from maternity leave. Looking forward we are considering another baby in the future, but will I still be entitled to SMP? I earn £300 a month.

    Editor: To qualify for SMP you need to satisfy the continuous employment rule [which you appear to have] and the earning rule – you need to be earning an average of at least £109 a week in the eight weeks leading up to the 26th week of your pregnancy.

  • Anonymous says:

    I have been working for the NHS for 12 years and am currently on maternity leave. I am now receiving 13 weeks SMP after finishing 26 weeks OMP. I agreed on forms to go back to work after 12 months, but have since had medical problems and with also looking after 3 children feel that it's not possible to go back at this time. When should I hand in my notice? Can you use holiday entitlement as notice so that you do not have to pay back OMP?

    Editor: You need to give your usual contractual notice and this can include holiday leave. In terms of OMP, did you get an enhanced maternity package? You need to check your contract to see if you have to pay this back if you do not return to work after maternity leave. 

  • Anonymous says:

    I have been working for the NHS for 12 years and am currently on maternity leave. I am now receiving 13 weeks SMP after finishing 26 weeks OMP. I agreed on forms to go back to work after 12 months, but have since had medical problems and with also looking after 3 children feel that it's not possible to go back at this time. When should I hand in my notice? Can you use holiday entitlement as notice so that you do not have to pay back OMP?

    Editor: You need to give your usual contractual notice and this can include holiday leave. In terms of OMP, did you get an enhanced maternity package? You need to check your contract to see if you have to pay this back if you do not return to work after maternity leave. 

  • Anonymous says:

    I have been working for the NHS for 12 years and am currently on maternity leave. I am now receiving 13 weeks SMP after finishing 26 weeks OMP. I agreed on forms to go back to work after 12 months, but have since had medical problems and with also looking after 3 children feel that it's not possible to go back at this time. When should I hand in my notice? Can you use holiday entitlement as notice so that you do not have to pay back OMP?

    Editor: You need to give your usual contractual notice and this can include holiday leave. In terms of OMP, did you get an enhanced maternity package? You need to check your contract to see if you have to pay this back if you do not return to work after maternity leave. 

  • Anonymous says:

    I am entitled to SMP as my qualifying week is before my contract ends. However, would I be entitled to the SMP rate that my employer has in their own policies, which they would provide to someone who decided not to return to work after their leave or if they were made redundant, or would I qualify for the normal rate of 6 weeks at 90% and 33 weeks at basic rate or 90% if its lower?

    Editor: I think you are talking about enhanced maternity pay rather than SMP which is 90% for six weeks and 33 weeks at the basic rate, etc. You would need to check your contract to see what the qualifying rules are for enhanced maternity pay.

  • Anonymous says:

    I have been working part time (less than 16 hours per week) and claiming JSA. I am hoping to be entitled to MA as I was employed full-time for 20 out of the 26 weeks required during the test period, but only part-time and claiming JSA for the remaining weeks. Does working part-time and claiming still count as being 'employed' for these weeks and allow me to claim MA? I meet the standard of earning over £30 per week for any given 13 weeks.

    Editor: To qualify for MA you need to have worked for 26 of the 66 weeks leading up to your due date. It doesn't matter if it is part time work as  long as you qualify on your job earnings issue, which you say you do – see http://www.nidirect.gov.uk/maternity-allowance

  • Anonymous says:

    I am entitled to SMP as my qualifying week is before my contract ends. However, would I be entitled to the SMP rate that my employer has in their own policies, which they would provide to someone who decided not to return to work after their leave or if they were made redundant, or would I qualify for the normal rate of 6 weeks at 90% and 33 weeks at basic rate or 90% if its lower?

    Editor: I think you are talking about enhanced maternity pay rather than SMP which is 90% for six weeks and 33 weeks at the basic rate, etc. You would need to check your contract to see what the qualifying rules are for enhanced maternity pay.

  • Anonymous says:

    I have been working part time (less than 16 hours per week) and claiming JSA. I am hoping to be entitled to MA as I was employed full-time for 20 out of the 26 weeks required during the test period, but only part-time and claiming JSA for the remaining weeks. Does working part-time and claiming still count as being 'employed' for these weeks and allow me to claim MA? I meet the standard of earning over £30 per week for any given 13 weeks.

    Editor: To qualify for MA you need to have worked for 26 of the 66 weeks leading up to your due date. It doesn't matter if it is part time work as  long as you qualify on your job earnings issue, which you say you do – see http://www.nidirect.gov.uk/maternity-allowance

  • Anonymous says:

    I am entitled to SMP as my qualifying week is before my contract ends. However, would I be entitled to the SMP rate that my employer has in their own policies, which they would provide to someone who decided not to return to work after their leave or if they were made redundant, or would I qualify for the normal rate of 6 weeks at 90% and 33 weeks at basic rate or 90% if its lower?

    Editor: I think you are talking about enhanced maternity pay rather than SMP which is 90% for six weeks and 33 weeks at the basic rate, etc. You would need to check your contract to see what the qualifying rules are for enhanced maternity pay.

  • Anonymous says:

    I have been working part time (less than 16 hours per week) and claiming JSA. I am hoping to be entitled to MA as I was employed full-time for 20 out of the 26 weeks required during the test period, but only part-time and claiming JSA for the remaining weeks. Does working part-time and claiming still count as being 'employed' for these weeks and allow me to claim MA? I meet the standard of earning over £30 per week for any given 13 weeks.

    Editor: To qualify for MA you need to have worked for 26 of the 66 weeks leading up to your due date. It doesn't matter if it is part time work as  long as you qualify on your job earnings issue, which you say you do – see http://www.nidirect.gov.uk/maternity-allowance

  • Anonymous says:

    I am due back at work after 39 wks of maternity leave. However, I have given them my notice to say that I will not be returning. I am 2 days late in handing it in so just short of the 4-week notice period. I have accrued holidays since the beginning of January. Will I still get paid for these?

    Editor: When you resign you are entitled to any holidays accrued over your maternity leave.

  • Anonymous says:

    I am due back at work after 39 wks of maternity leave. However, I have given them my notice to say that I will not be returning. I am 2 days late in handing it in so just short of the 4-week notice period. I have accrued holidays since the beginning of January. Will I still get paid for these?

    Editor: When you resign you are entitled to any holidays accrued over your maternity leave.

  • Anonymous says:

    I am due back at work after 39 wks of maternity leave. However, I have given them my notice to say that I will not be returning. I am 2 days late in handing it in so just short of the 4-week notice period. I have accrued holidays since the beginning of January. Will I still get paid for these?

    Editor: When you resign you are entitled to any holidays accrued over your maternity leave.

  • Anonymous says:

    My statutory maternity pay has finished and I'm due back at work in November. I wanted to know if and what l can claim as in the meantime my only income is working and child tax credits.

    Editor: Check out http://www.turn2us.org.uk for more information.

  • Anonymous says:

    My statutory maternity pay has finished and I'm due back at work in November. I wanted to know if and what l can claim as in the meantime my only income is working and child tax credits.

    Editor: Check out http://www.turn2us.org.uk for more information.

  • Anonymous says:

    My statutory maternity pay has finished and I'm due back at work in November. I wanted to know if and what l can claim as in the meantime my only income is working and child tax credits.

    Editor: Check out http://www.turn2us.org.uk for more information.

  • Anonymous says:

    Hi, I am 25 weeks pregnant and working for my husband in his small business from 2 years. Am I eligible for the benefits of SMP and maternity leave as my husband is the owner of the business.

    Editor: Are you considered an employee for tax and NI purposes – see http://www.hmrc.gov.uk/employment-status/. If yes, you should qualify for SMP and would have to let your husband [employer] know within the correct timeframe – see http://www.dwp.gov.uk/publications/specialist-guides/technical-guidance/ni17a-a-guide-to-maternity/statutory-maternity-pay-smp/eligibility/. He can claim most of the SMP back through HMRC.

  • Anonymous says:

    Hi, I am 25 weeks pregnant and working for my husband in his small business from 2 years. Am I eligible for the benefits of SMP and maternity leave as my husband is the owner of the business.

    Editor: Are you considered an employee for tax and NI purposes – see http://www.hmrc.gov.uk/employment-status/. If yes, you should qualify for SMP and would have to let your husband [employer] know within the correct timeframe – see http://www.dwp.gov.uk/publications/specialist-guides/technical-guidance/ni17a-a-guide-to-maternity/statutory-maternity-pay-smp/eligibility/. He can claim most of the SMP back through HMRC.

  • Anonymous says:

    Hi, I am 25 weeks pregnant and working for my husband in his small business from 2 years. Am I eligible for the benefits of SMP and maternity leave as my husband is the owner of the business.

    Editor: Are you considered an employee for tax and NI purposes – see http://www.hmrc.gov.uk/employment-status/. If yes, you should qualify for SMP and would have to let your husband [employer] know within the correct timeframe – see http://www.dwp.gov.uk/publications/specialist-guides/technical-guidance/ni17a-a-guide-to-maternity/statutory-maternity-pay-smp/eligibility/. He can claim most of the SMP back through HMRC.

  • Anonymous says:

    Hi, I've just been made redundant after 10 years of service. We are trying for a baby, if I fall pregnant in the next few months and don't find a job before the baby is born will I be entitled to SMP? Thanks.

    Editor: To qualify for SMP you need to have been your employer from just before you got pregnant to at least the 26th week of your pregnancy and to be earning over £109 a week. Otherwise, if you have worked for 26 weeks in the 66 weeks before your baby's due date you should qualify for Maternity Allowance – see https://www.gov.uk/maternity-allowance/eligibility

  • Anonymous says:

    Hi, I've just been made redundant after 10 years of service. We are trying for a baby, if I fall pregnant in the next few months and don't find a job before the baby is born will I be entitled to SMP? Thanks.

    Editor: To qualify for SMP you need to have been your employer from just before you got pregnant to at least the 26th week of your pregnancy and to be earning over £109 a week. Otherwise, if you have worked for 26 weeks in the 66 weeks before your baby's due date you should qualify for Maternity Allowance – see https://www.gov.uk/maternity-allowance/eligibility

  • Anonymous says:

    Hi, I've just been made redundant after 10 years of service. We are trying for a baby, if I fall pregnant in the next few months and don't find a job before the baby is born will I be entitled to SMP? Thanks.

    Editor: To qualify for SMP you need to have been your employer from just before you got pregnant to at least the 26th week of your pregnancy and to be earning over £109 a week. Otherwise, if you have worked for 26 weeks in the 66 weeks before your baby's due date you should qualify for Maternity Allowance – see https://www.gov.uk/maternity-allowance/eligibility

  • Anonymous says:

    I was dismissed from work when I was 34 wks pregnant. However, they are still paying my SMP and said they will post my p45 out on the 28th Oct (when it finishes) and pay me any money owed. I was just wondering am I entitled to full holidays now as I must still be on their books?

    Editor: You would be entitled to holidays up until the date of your dismissal.

  • Anonymous says:

    I am currently on maternity leave receiving statutory maternity pay and just found out I am pregnant again. My payments will stop 7 weeks before the 15th week before due date. Will I qualify for maternity allowance instead? I have been with this employer for 2 years and earned over a minimum £135 a week in the last 66 weeks. I don't wish to discuss this pregnancy with my employer until 15 weeks before.

    Editor: To qualify for maternity allowance you need to have worked a minimum of 26 weeks in the 66 weeks before your due date. Being on paid maternity leave counts for this so you should qualify for MA. However, if you returned to work in the eight-week period before your 26th week you could qualify for SMP as your maternity pay will be based on your average weekly earnings in this period. 

  • Anonymous says:

    I was dismissed from work when I was 34 wks pregnant. However, they are still paying my SMP and said they will post my p45 out on the 28th Oct (when it finishes) and pay me any money owed. I was just wondering am I entitled to full holidays now as I must still be on their books?

    Editor: You would be entitled to holidays up until the date of your dismissal.

  • Anonymous says:

    I am currently on maternity leave receiving statutory maternity pay and just found out I am pregnant again. My payments will stop 7 weeks before the 15th week before due date. Will I qualify for maternity allowance instead? I have been with this employer for 2 years and earned over a minimum £135 a week in the last 66 weeks. I don't wish to discuss this pregnancy with my employer until 15 weeks before.

    Editor: To qualify for maternity allowance you need to have worked a minimum of 26 weeks in the 66 weeks before your due date. Being on paid maternity leave counts for this so you should qualify for MA. However, if you returned to work in the eight-week period before your 26th week you could qualify for SMP as your maternity pay will be based on your average weekly earnings in this period. 

  • Anonymous says:

    I was dismissed from work when I was 34 wks pregnant. However, they are still paying my SMP and said they will post my p45 out on the 28th Oct (when it finishes) and pay me any money owed. I was just wondering am I entitled to full holidays now as I must still be on their books?

    Editor: You would be entitled to holidays up until the date of your dismissal.

  • Anonymous says:

    I am currently on maternity leave receiving statutory maternity pay and just found out I am pregnant again. My payments will stop 7 weeks before the 15th week before due date. Will I qualify for maternity allowance instead? I have been with this employer for 2 years and earned over a minimum £135 a week in the last 66 weeks. I don't wish to discuss this pregnancy with my employer until 15 weeks before.

    Editor: To qualify for maternity allowance you need to have worked a minimum of 26 weeks in the 66 weeks before your due date. Being on paid maternity leave counts for this so you should qualify for MA. However, if you returned to work in the eight-week period before your 26th week you could qualify for SMP as your maternity pay will be based on your average weekly earnings in this period. 

  • Anonymous says:

    Hi there. I am entitled to SMP. However, I am confused as HR have informed that I cannot retun to work before the end of my smp payments. I was hoping to take 6 months off and return to work in feb thus stopping smp and then taking the final 4 weeks as annual leave so therefore officially retuning to work in march which is 6 months altogether. But i have been told that due to smp not ending until the 4th June I cannot return to work before then and I cannot take annual leave. Is this correct. I know I cannot take annual leave and claim smp but I thought it was my decision as to when I retun to work on the understanding that SMP will then stop?

    Editor: You can return to work at any time after the first two compulsory weeks, but you must let your employer know beforehand and if you chnge ths date you need to give eight weeks' notice – see https://www.gov.uk/employers-maternity-pay-leave/notice-period

  • Anonymous says:

    I am already on maternity leave from 25 of June, I left work at 36 weeks pregnancy. I got a letter from employer that they will pay Statutory Maternity Pay. I worked 2 last days 23 and 24 of June, and then 25 started my maternity leave. But today I checked my payslip (salary I will receive 5 July) and there is only the standard hours I worked for those 2 days, but no SMP. I would like to ask when I am supposed to receive my first Statutory Maternity Pay if it started from 25 of June?

    Editor: You should receive it from the 26th, ie the day after the first day you were absent, triggering early maternity leave. You could either contact your payroll department to query this or you could contact HMRC employee helpline on 0845 3021479.

  • Anonymous says:

    Hi there. I am entitled to SMP. However, I am confused as HR have informed that I cannot retun to work before the end of my smp payments. I was hoping to take 6 months off and return to work in feb thus stopping smp and then taking the final 4 weeks as annual leave so therefore officially retuning to work in march which is 6 months altogether. But i have been told that due to smp not ending until the 4th June I cannot return to work before then and I cannot take annual leave. Is this correct. I know I cannot take annual leave and claim smp but I thought it was my decision as to when I retun to work on the understanding that SMP will then stop?

    Editor: You can return to work at any time after the first two compulsory weeks, but you must let your employer know beforehand and if you chnge ths date you need to give eight weeks' notice – see https://www.gov.uk/employers-maternity-pay-leave/notice-period

  • Anonymous says:

    I am already on maternity leave from 25 of June, I left work at 36 weeks pregnancy. I got a letter from employer that they will pay Statutory Maternity Pay. I worked 2 last days 23 and 24 of June, and then 25 started my maternity leave. But today I checked my payslip (salary I will receive 5 July) and there is only the standard hours I worked for those 2 days, but no SMP. I would like to ask when I am supposed to receive my first Statutory Maternity Pay if it started from 25 of June?

    Editor: You should receive it from the 26th, ie the day after the first day you were absent, triggering early maternity leave. You could either contact your payroll department to query this or you could contact HMRC employee helpline on 0845 3021479.

  • Anonymous says:

    Hi there. I am entitled to SMP. However, I am confused as HR have informed that I cannot retun to work before the end of my smp payments. I was hoping to take 6 months off and return to work in feb thus stopping smp and then taking the final 4 weeks as annual leave so therefore officially retuning to work in march which is 6 months altogether. But i have been told that due to smp not ending until the 4th June I cannot return to work before then and I cannot take annual leave. Is this correct. I know I cannot take annual leave and claim smp but I thought it was my decision as to when I retun to work on the understanding that SMP will then stop?

    Editor: You can return to work at any time after the first two compulsory weeks, but you must let your employer know beforehand and if you chnge ths date you need to give eight weeks' notice – see https://www.gov.uk/employers-maternity-pay-leave/notice-period

  • Anonymous says:

    I am already on maternity leave from 25 of June, I left work at 36 weeks pregnancy. I got a letter from employer that they will pay Statutory Maternity Pay. I worked 2 last days 23 and 24 of June, and then 25 started my maternity leave. But today I checked my payslip (salary I will receive 5 July) and there is only the standard hours I worked for those 2 days, but no SMP. I would like to ask when I am supposed to receive my first Statutory Maternity Pay if it started from 25 of June?

    Editor: You should receive it from the 26th, ie the day after the first day you were absent, triggering early maternity leave. You could either contact your payroll department to query this or you could contact HMRC employee helpline on 0845 3021479.

  • Anonymous says:

    Hi, I was made redundant while on maternity leave, all legit and above board and they continued to pay my mat pay for the agreed 39 weeks. However, when this ended (p60 ends empolyment from this date also) I was 13 weeks pregnant. Am I entitled to any mat pay/allowance for this baby? I'm now 28 weeks and have not worked since my contract ended but do not claim benefits. 

    Editor: While you were on Maternity Leave you were still employed and your SMP counts as income so you will meet both the work criteria and the pay criteria to get maternity allowance – to have worked 26 weeks in the last 66 weeks before your baby is due.

  • Anonymous says:

    Hi, I was made redundant while on maternity leave, all legit and above board and they continued to pay my mat pay for the agreed 39 weeks. However, when this ended (p60 ends empolyment from this date also) I was 13 weeks pregnant. Am I entitled to any mat pay/allowance for this baby? I'm now 28 weeks and have not worked since my contract ended but do not claim benefits. 

    Editor: While you were on Maternity Leave you were still employed and your SMP counts as income so you will meet both the work criteria and the pay criteria to get maternity allowance – to have worked 26 weeks in the last 66 weeks before your baby is due.

  • Anonymous says:

    Hi, I was made redundant while on maternity leave, all legit and above board and they continued to pay my mat pay for the agreed 39 weeks. However, when this ended (p60 ends empolyment from this date also) I was 13 weeks pregnant. Am I entitled to any mat pay/allowance for this baby? I'm now 28 weeks and have not worked since my contract ended but do not claim benefits. 

    Editor: While you were on Maternity Leave you were still employed and your SMP counts as income so you will meet both the work criteria and the pay criteria to get maternity allowance – to have worked 26 weeks in the last 66 weeks before your baby is due.

  • Anonymous says:

    I was on a fixed term contract with my employer last year and found out I was pregnant. I was not entitled to SMP so have been receiving Maternity Allowance from Jobcentre. I do not have a job to go back to and my 39 wk Maternity Allowance pay has just finished. I was wanting to try for another baby in the next 6 months. I was going to try and get some temp work between January and when the next baby is due. Will I be able to get Maternity Allowance for this next pregnancy too? What are my working requirements to qualify again? Do I need to be working for a certain amount of time before I fall pregnant and do I have to work a certain amount throughout my pregnancy to qualify? Any help you can give would be much appreciated.

    Editor: To qualify for MA you need to have worked for 26 in the 66 weeks before your baby's due date and to have earned £30 a week in any 13-week period – see https://www.gov.uk/maternity-allowance/eligibility

  • Anonymous says:

    I was on a fixed term contract with my employer last year and found out I was pregnant. I was not entitled to SMP so have been receiving Maternity Allowance from Jobcentre. I do not have a job to go back to and my 39 wk Maternity Allowance pay has just finished. I was wanting to try for another baby in the next 6 months. I was going to try and get some temp work between January and when the next baby is due. Will I be able to get Maternity Allowance for this next pregnancy too? What are my working requirements to qualify again? Do I need to be working for a certain amount of time before I fall pregnant and do I have to work a certain amount throughout my pregnancy to qualify? Any help you can give would be much appreciated.

    Editor: To qualify for MA you need to have worked for 26 in the 66 weeks before your baby's due date and to have earned £30 a week in any 13-week period – see https://www.gov.uk/maternity-allowance/eligibility

  • Anonymous says:

    I was on a fixed term contract with my employer last year and found out I was pregnant. I was not entitled to SMP so have been receiving Maternity Allowance from Jobcentre. I do not have a job to go back to and my 39 wk Maternity Allowance pay has just finished. I was wanting to try for another baby in the next 6 months. I was going to try and get some temp work between January and when the next baby is due. Will I be able to get Maternity Allowance for this next pregnancy too? What are my working requirements to qualify again? Do I need to be working for a certain amount of time before I fall pregnant and do I have to work a certain amount throughout my pregnancy to qualify? Any help you can give would be much appreciated.

    Editor: To qualify for MA you need to have worked for 26 in the 66 weeks before your baby's due date and to have earned £30 a week in any 13-week period – see https://www.gov.uk/maternity-allowance/eligibility

  • Anonymous says:

    I returned to work on a part time basis in January after having my son. We are looking to start trying for another baby now and wondered if my employer has to offer me my part time position back after my second lot of maternity leave?

    Editor: If you go on maternity leave you have a right to return to the same job following ordinary maternity leave and the right to return to your job or a suitable alternative after additional maternity leave.

  • Anonymous says:

    Hi, is it possible to start working for a new employer at the end of my 39 weeks and still be on leave with my present employer until I'm due to return?

    Editor: Are you talking about a temporary job which would end when you return to work? If so, you might find yourself in trouble with your employer if they find out you have taken another job while employed with them. You may, for instance,  be required to inform your employer of your new second job. You should check your contract of employment to see whether second jobs are mentioned. See https://www.workingmums.co.uk/advice-and-support/q-and-a/all/3159026/starting-a-new-job-during-maternity-leave-ask-the-expert.thtml'

     

  • Anonymous says:

    I returned to work on a part time basis in January after having my son. We are looking to start trying for another baby now and wondered if my employer has to offer me my part time position back after my second lot of maternity leave?

    Editor: If you go on maternity leave you have a right to return to the same job following ordinary maternity leave and the right to return to your job or a suitable alternative after additional maternity leave.

  • Anonymous says:

    Hi, is it possible to start working for a new employer at the end of my 39 weeks and still be on leave with my present employer until I'm due to return?

    Editor: Are you talking about a temporary job which would end when you return to work? If so, you might find yourself in trouble with your employer if they find out you have taken another job while employed with them. You may, for instance,  be required to inform your employer of your new second job. You should check your contract of employment to see whether second jobs are mentioned. See https://www.workingmums.co.uk/advice-and-support/q-and-a/all/3159026/starting-a-new-job-during-maternity-leave-ask-the-expert.thtml'

     

  • Anonymous says:

    I returned to work on a part time basis in January after having my son. We are looking to start trying for another baby now and wondered if my employer has to offer me my part time position back after my second lot of maternity leave?

    Editor: If you go on maternity leave you have a right to return to the same job following ordinary maternity leave and the right to return to your job or a suitable alternative after additional maternity leave.

  • Anonymous says:

    Hi, is it possible to start working for a new employer at the end of my 39 weeks and still be on leave with my present employer until I'm due to return?

    Editor: Are you talking about a temporary job which would end when you return to work? If so, you might find yourself in trouble with your employer if they find out you have taken another job while employed with them. You may, for instance,  be required to inform your employer of your new second job. You should check your contract of employment to see whether second jobs are mentioned. See https://www.workingmums.co.uk/advice-and-support/q-and-a/all/3159026/starting-a-new-job-during-maternity-leave-ask-the-expert.thtml'

     

  • Anonymous says:

    I was on a fixed term contract with my employer last year and found out I was pregnant. I was not entitled to SMP so have been receiving Maternity Allowance from Jobcentre. I do not have a job to go back to and my 39 wk Maternity Allowance pay has just finished. I was wanting to try for another baby in the next 6 months. I was going to try and get some temp work between January and when the next baby is due. Will i be able to get Maternity Allowance for this next pregnancy too. What are my working requirements to qualify again? Do I need to be working for a certain amount of time before I fall pregnant and do I have to work a certain amount throughout my pregnancy to qualify? Any help you can give would be much appreciated.

    Editor: You just need to have worked for at least 26 weeks in the 66 weeks before your due date and be earning over £30 a week in any 13-week period. See https://www.gov.uk/maternity-allowance/eligibility

  • Anonymous says:

    My maternity leave started mid June and I get paid roughly £140 per week. However, my wages have come in and it looks like I have not been paid any maternity pay at all. All the calculators said that I qualified for SMP!

    Who do I contact about this? HMRC or my work?

    Editor: Contact your work in the first instance to find out why you have not been paid SMP. They should have told you when you gave them your pregnancy details if there was a problem. To qualify for SMP you need to have worked for your employer from just before you got pregnant, be earning on average £109 a week in the eight weeks leading up to your 26th week of pregnancy and to have informed your employer before the end of your 25th week of pregnancy of your pregnancy, when you want your maternity leave to start and provide a MATB1 form indicating your due date – see http://www.dwp.gov.uk/publications/specialist-guides/technical-guidance/ni17a-a-guide-to-maternity/statutory-maternity-pay-smp/how-to-get-smp/#stoppage. Otherwise you can apply for Maternity Allowance from your Job Centre Plus. Your employer should put in writing why you do not qualify for SMP and if you are unhappy with these reasons you can go to HMRC – see http://www.dwp.gov.uk/publications/specialist-guides/technical-guidance/ni17a-a-guide-to-maternity/statutory-maternity-pay-smp/if-you-think-your-employers-decision/

  • Anonymous says:

    I was on a fixed term contract with my employer last year and found out I was pregnant. I was not entitled to SMP so have been receiving Maternity Allowance from Jobcentre. I do not have a job to go back to and my 39 wk Maternity Allowance pay has just finished. I was wanting to try for another baby in the next 6 months. I was going to try and get some temp work between January and when the next baby is due. Will i be able to get Maternity Allowance for this next pregnancy too. What are my working requirements to qualify again? Do I need to be working for a certain amount of time before I fall pregnant and do I have to work a certain amount throughout my pregnancy to qualify? Any help you can give would be much appreciated.

    Editor: You just need to have worked for at least 26 weeks in the 66 weeks before your due date and be earning over £30 a week in any 13-week period. See https://www.gov.uk/maternity-allowance/eligibility

  • Anonymous says:

    My maternity leave started mid June and I get paid roughly £140 per week. However, my wages have come in and it looks like I have not been paid any maternity pay at all. All the calculators said that I qualified for SMP!

    Who do I contact about this? HMRC or my work?

    Editor: Contact your work in the first instance to find out why you have not been paid SMP. They should have told you when you gave them your pregnancy details if there was a problem. To qualify for SMP you need to have worked for your employer from just before you got pregnant, be earning on average £109 a week in the eight weeks leading up to your 26th week of pregnancy and to have informed your employer before the end of your 25th week of pregnancy of your pregnancy, when you want your maternity leave to start and provide a MATB1 form indicating your due date – see http://www.dwp.gov.uk/publications/specialist-guides/technical-guidance/ni17a-a-guide-to-maternity/statutory-maternity-pay-smp/how-to-get-smp/#stoppage. Otherwise you can apply for Maternity Allowance from your Job Centre Plus. Your employer should put in writing why you do not qualify for SMP and if you are unhappy with these reasons you can go to HMRC – see http://www.dwp.gov.uk/publications/specialist-guides/technical-guidance/ni17a-a-guide-to-maternity/statutory-maternity-pay-smp/if-you-think-your-employers-decision/

  • Anonymous says:

    I was on a fixed term contract with my employer last year and found out I was pregnant. I was not entitled to SMP so have been receiving Maternity Allowance from Jobcentre. I do not have a job to go back to and my 39 wk Maternity Allowance pay has just finished. I was wanting to try for another baby in the next 6 months. I was going to try and get some temp work between January and when the next baby is due. Will i be able to get Maternity Allowance for this next pregnancy too. What are my working requirements to qualify again? Do I need to be working for a certain amount of time before I fall pregnant and do I have to work a certain amount throughout my pregnancy to qualify? Any help you can give would be much appreciated.

    Editor: You just need to have worked for at least 26 weeks in the 66 weeks before your due date and be earning over £30 a week in any 13-week period. See https://www.gov.uk/maternity-allowance/eligibility

  • Anonymous says:

    My maternity leave started mid June and I get paid roughly £140 per week. However, my wages have come in and it looks like I have not been paid any maternity pay at all. All the calculators said that I qualified for SMP!

    Who do I contact about this? HMRC or my work?

    Editor: Contact your work in the first instance to find out why you have not been paid SMP. They should have told you when you gave them your pregnancy details if there was a problem. To qualify for SMP you need to have worked for your employer from just before you got pregnant, be earning on average £109 a week in the eight weeks leading up to your 26th week of pregnancy and to have informed your employer before the end of your 25th week of pregnancy of your pregnancy, when you want your maternity leave to start and provide a MATB1 form indicating your due date – see http://www.dwp.gov.uk/publications/specialist-guides/technical-guidance/ni17a-a-guide-to-maternity/statutory-maternity-pay-smp/how-to-get-smp/#stoppage. Otherwise you can apply for Maternity Allowance from your Job Centre Plus. Your employer should put in writing why you do not qualify for SMP and if you are unhappy with these reasons you can go to HMRC – see http://www.dwp.gov.uk/publications/specialist-guides/technical-guidance/ni17a-a-guide-to-maternity/statutory-maternity-pay-smp/if-you-think-your-employers-decision/

  • Anonymous says:

    I'm really hoping for some information, as I currently don't know where else to start.

    I am due to return to work on 1st August after 39 weeks maternity leave.

    I have written to my employer and informed them. However, my personal circumstances have suddenly changed and I am now a single parent to two children.

    I will be unable to return to work, as drop offs to school and nursery and ensuring I get to work on time are just not viable. Alongside the financial implications of only bringing one salary home, it's just not feasible.

    Am I able to withdraw my notice to return and instead offer my resignation, based on unforeseen circumstances?

    I am loathe to have to take a career break, but there is just no alternative, for me, presently.

    Will I be entitled to any benefits, until I can secure something part time?

    Any information gratefully received.

    Editor: You can decide not to return, but you need to serve your contractual notice so you should let your work know as soon as possible. If you have received enhanced maternity pay and do not return you may be obliged to pay this back. This does not apply to SMP. Have you considered putting in a flexible working request to your employer? In terms of benefits, you should be entitled to income support and housing benefit plus tax credits for childcare. See Gingerbread's website for more information – http://www.gingerbread.org.uk/

  • Anonymous says:

    I need your advice! My employers had advised me that I was under the earnings threshold for SMP and gave me forms for this so that i could claim MA. I got my MA claim approved at the maximum weekly rate as I am also self employed and I had another job in my test period. Yesterday I got my payslip and was surprised to see I had been paid £504.84 of SMP. It is a right mess because I have also been paid MA and obviously I cannot get both. I contacted HR who contacted payroll and apparently payroll said that I am just eligible with SMP because I worked extra hours which the HR lady did not take into account and she apologised for and they thanked me for my honesty. Now the problem is I hope they don't make me take SMP because I get 100 pounds a month more on MA. I am currently waiting on an answer on what is going to happen and I am very stressed about it. I only just had a baby 2 weeks ago so don't really need this extra hassle when I thought things were sorted. What do you think is going to happen?

    Editor: It is likely that you will get SMP and have to return the MA as to get MA you must not be eligible for SMP from any employer.

  • Anonymous says:

    I need your advice! My employer had advised me that I was under the earnings threshold for SMP and gave me forms for this so that I could claim MA. I got my MA claim approved at the maximum.

    Editor: I'm not sure what your question is. Do you think you should have qualified for SMP? To do so you need to have been earning an average of £109 a week in the eight weeks leading up to your 26th week of pregnancy.

  • Anonymous says:

    I'm really hoping for some information, as I currently don't know where else to start.

    I am due to return to work on 1st August after 39 weeks maternity leave.

    I have written to my employer and informed them. However, my personal circumstances have suddenly changed and I am now a single parent to two children.

    I will be unable to return to work, as drop offs to school and nursery and ensuring I get to work on time are just not viable. Alongside the financial implications of only bringing one salary home, it's just not feasible.

    Am I able to withdraw my notice to return and instead offer my resignation, based on unforeseen circumstances?

    I am loathe to have to take a career break, but there is just no alternative, for me, presently.

    Will I be entitled to any benefits, until I can secure something part time?

    Any information gratefully received.

    Editor: You can decide not to return, but you need to serve your contractual notice so you should let your work know as soon as possible. If you have received enhanced maternity pay and do not return you may be obliged to pay this back. This does not apply to SMP. Have you considered putting in a flexible working request to your employer? In terms of benefits, you should be entitled to income support and housing benefit plus tax credits for childcare. See Gingerbread's website for more information – http://www.gingerbread.org.uk/

  • Anonymous says:

    I need your advice! My employers had advised me that I was under the earnings threshold for SMP and gave me forms for this so that i could claim MA. I got my MA claim approved at the maximum weekly rate as I am also self employed and I had another job in my test period. Yesterday I got my payslip and was surprised to see I had been paid £504.84 of SMP. It is a right mess because I have also been paid MA and obviously I cannot get both. I contacted HR who contacted payroll and apparently payroll said that I am just eligible with SMP because I worked extra hours which the HR lady did not take into account and she apologised for and they thanked me for my honesty. Now the problem is I hope they don't make me take SMP because I get 100 pounds a month more on MA. I am currently waiting on an answer on what is going to happen and I am very stressed about it. I only just had a baby 2 weeks ago so don't really need this extra hassle when I thought things were sorted. What do you think is going to happen?

    Editor: It is likely that you will get SMP and have to return the MA as to get MA you must not be eligible for SMP from any employer.

  • Anonymous says:

    I need your advice! My employer had advised me that I was under the earnings threshold for SMP and gave me forms for this so that I could claim MA. I got my MA claim approved at the maximum.

    Editor: I'm not sure what your question is. Do you think you should have qualified for SMP? To do so you need to have been earning an average of £109 a week in the eight weeks leading up to your 26th week of pregnancy.

  • Anonymous says:

    I'm really hoping for some information, as I currently don't know where else to start.

    I am due to return to work on 1st August after 39 weeks maternity leave.

    I have written to my employer and informed them. However, my personal circumstances have suddenly changed and I am now a single parent to two children.

    I will be unable to return to work, as drop offs to school and nursery and ensuring I get to work on time are just not viable. Alongside the financial implications of only bringing one salary home, it's just not feasible.

    Am I able to withdraw my notice to return and instead offer my resignation, based on unforeseen circumstances?

    I am loathe to have to take a career break, but there is just no alternative, for me, presently.

    Will I be entitled to any benefits, until I can secure something part time?

    Any information gratefully received.

    Editor: You can decide not to return, but you need to serve your contractual notice so you should let your work know as soon as possible. If you have received enhanced maternity pay and do not return you may be obliged to pay this back. This does not apply to SMP. Have you considered putting in a flexible working request to your employer? In terms of benefits, you should be entitled to income support and housing benefit plus tax credits for childcare. See Gingerbread's website for more information – http://www.gingerbread.org.uk/

  • Anonymous says:

    I need your advice! My employers had advised me that I was under the earnings threshold for SMP and gave me forms for this so that i could claim MA. I got my MA claim approved at the maximum weekly rate as I am also self employed and I had another job in my test period. Yesterday I got my payslip and was surprised to see I had been paid £504.84 of SMP. It is a right mess because I have also been paid MA and obviously I cannot get both. I contacted HR who contacted payroll and apparently payroll said that I am just eligible with SMP because I worked extra hours which the HR lady did not take into account and she apologised for and they thanked me for my honesty. Now the problem is I hope they don't make me take SMP because I get 100 pounds a month more on MA. I am currently waiting on an answer on what is going to happen and I am very stressed about it. I only just had a baby 2 weeks ago so don't really need this extra hassle when I thought things were sorted. What do you think is going to happen?

    Editor: It is likely that you will get SMP and have to return the MA as to get MA you must not be eligible for SMP from any employer.

  • Anonymous says:

    I need your advice! My employer had advised me that I was under the earnings threshold for SMP and gave me forms for this so that I could claim MA. I got my MA claim approved at the maximum.

    Editor: I'm not sure what your question is. Do you think you should have qualified for SMP? To do so you need to have been earning an average of £109 a week in the eight weeks leading up to your 26th week of pregnancy.

  • Anonymous says:

    Hi, I was wondering how much I would be taxed on SMP? I will be receiving 90% for the first 6 weeks, then up to the maximum rate of £136.78 per week.

    Editor: SMP is taxed at the normal rate so it depends on your annual earnings and how much your salary is in terms of the six weeks on 90%. This tax year (2013-14) the basic Personal Allowance – or tax-free amount – is £9,440 after this you are taxed at 20% up to annual earnings of £32,010.

  • Anonymous says:

    Hi, I was wondering how much I would be taxed on SMP? I will be receiving 90% for the first 6 weeks, then up to the maximum rate of £136.78 per week.

    Editor: SMP is taxed at the normal rate so it depends on your annual earnings and how much your salary is in terms of the six weeks on 90%. This tax year (2013-14) the basic Personal Allowance – or tax-free amount – is £9,440 after this you are taxed at 20% up to annual earnings of £32,010.

  • Anonymous says:

    Hi, I was wondering how much I would be taxed on SMP? I will be receiving 90% for the first 6 weeks, then up to the maximum rate of £136.78 per week.

    Editor: SMP is taxed at the normal rate so it depends on your annual earnings and how much your salary is in terms of the six weeks on 90%. This tax year (2013-14) the basic Personal Allowance – or tax-free amount – is £9,440 after this you are taxed at 20% up to annual earnings of £32,010.

  • Anonymous says:

    I'm currently a student in higher education and I'm pregnant. I had to take two to three weeks off of unpaid holidays in my work when I had my exams. It was the time when my weekly earnings were taken into account for the maternity leave. I'm not sure now whether I'm going to qualify for maternity pay (still waiting for my employer to confirm), and if so, it will be very low (around 70£ per week). What can I do? Can I additionally apply for some income support benefit??

    Editor: If you do not quality for SMP due to your earnings – average weekly earnings have to be £109 in the eight-weeks leading up to your 26th week of pregnancy – you should qualify for Maternity Allowance – see https://www.gov.uk/maternity-allowance/overview. You can find out if you qualify for other benefits here - https://www.gov.uk/calculate-your-maternity-pay. You could also do self employed work during your maternith leave without losing your maternity pay.

  • Anonymous says:

    I'm currently a student in higher education and I'm pregnant. I had to take two to three weeks off of unpaid holidays in my work when I had my exams. It was the time when my weekly earnings were taken into account for the maternity leave. I'm not sure now whether I'm going to qualify for maternity pay (still waiting for my employer to confirm), and if so, it will be very low (around 70£ per week). What can I do? Can I additionally apply for some income support benefit??

    Editor: If you do not quality for SMP due to your earnings – average weekly earnings have to be £109 in the eight-weeks leading up to your 26th week of pregnancy – you should qualify for Maternity Allowance – see https://www.gov.uk/maternity-allowance/overview. You can find out if you qualify for other benefits here - https://www.gov.uk/calculate-your-maternity-pay. You could also do self employed work during your maternith leave without losing your maternity pay.

  • Anonymous says:

    I'm currently a student in higher education and I'm pregnant. I had to take two to three weeks off of unpaid holidays in my work when I had my exams. It was the time when my weekly earnings were taken into account for the maternity leave. I'm not sure now whether I'm going to qualify for maternity pay (still waiting for my employer to confirm), and if so, it will be very low (around 70£ per week). What can I do? Can I additionally apply for some income support benefit??

    Editor: If you do not quality for SMP due to your earnings – average weekly earnings have to be £109 in the eight-weeks leading up to your 26th week of pregnancy – you should qualify for Maternity Allowance – see https://www.gov.uk/maternity-allowance/overview. You can find out if you qualify for other benefits here - https://www.gov.uk/calculate-your-maternity-pay. You could also do self employed work during your maternith leave without losing your maternity pay.

  • Anonymous says:

    I'm on maternity leave and due to return to work in a week's time, but I've fallen pregnant. I'm 4 weeks pregnant. Will I still be eligible for maternity pay?

    Editor: You will quality, but if you go back to work and work until at least your 26th week you will definitely get SMP and it will be based on your average earnings in the eight weeks up until your 26th week. 

  • Anonymous says:

    I'm on maternity leave and due to return to work in a week's time, but I've fallen pregnant. I'm 4 weeks pregnant. Will I still be eligible for maternity pay?

    Editor: You will quality, but if you go back to work and work until at least your 26th week you will definitely get SMP and it will be based on your average earnings in the eight weeks up until your 26th week. 

  • Anonymous says:

    I'm on maternity leave and due to return to work in a week's time, but I've fallen pregnant. I'm 4 weeks pregnant. Will I still be eligible for maternity pay?

    Editor: You will quality, but if you go back to work and work until at least your 26th week you will definitely get SMP and it will be based on your average earnings in the eight weeks up until your 26th week. 

  • Anonymous says:

    I'm on maternity leave and my boss asked me to come back to work for 10 days. For how many days can I return to work because I don't want to loose my maternity pay? 

    Editor: You can take 10 Keeping in Touch days without losing your maternity pay – see http://www.dwp.gov.uk/publications/specialist-guides/technical-guidance/ni17a-a-guide-to-maternity/statutory-maternity-pay-smp/working-in-your-maternity-pay/

  • Anonymous says:

    I'm on maternity leave and my boss asked me to come back to work for 10 days. For how many days can I return to work because I don't want to loose my maternity pay? 

    Editor: You can take 10 Keeping in Touch days without losing your maternity pay – see http://www.dwp.gov.uk/publications/specialist-guides/technical-guidance/ni17a-a-guide-to-maternity/statutory-maternity-pay-smp/working-in-your-maternity-pay/

  • Anonymous says:

    I'm on maternity leave and my boss asked me to come back to work for 10 days. For how many days can I return to work because I don't want to loose my maternity pay? 

    Editor: You can take 10 Keeping in Touch days without losing your maternity pay – see http://www.dwp.gov.uk/publications/specialist-guides/technical-guidance/ni17a-a-guide-to-maternity/statutory-maternity-pay-smp/working-in-your-maternity-pay/

  • Anonymous says:

    I work in full-time employment, earning £1,500 a month. I only have a contract of work which states I am relief, but I have been working full time for nearly two years. What will I be entitled to if I go on maternity leave? Also are they obliged to keep my full-time job open?

    Editor: If you have been working in this job since just before you got pregnant and are still there after the 26th week of your pregnancy, you will qualify for SMP. If you have not, you should be entitled to Maternity Allowance. If you are permanent staff, you will be entitled to return to your job after nine months and to your job or a similar alternative after 12 months – see https://www.gov.uk/employee-rights-when-on-leave.

     

  • Anonymous says:

    I work in full-time employment, earning £1,500 a month. I only have a contract of work which states I am relief, but I have been working full time for nearly two years. What will I be entitled to if I go on maternity leave? Also are they obliged to keep my full-time job open?

    Editor: If you have been working in this job since just before you got pregnant and are still there after the 26th week of your pregnancy, you will qualify for SMP. If you have not, you should be entitled to Maternity Allowance. If you are permanent staff, you will be entitled to return to your job after nine months and to your job or a similar alternative after 12 months – see https://www.gov.uk/employee-rights-when-on-leave.

     

  • Anonymous says:

    I work in full-time employment, earning £1,500 a month. I only have a contract of work which states I am relief, but I have been working full time for nearly two years. What will I be entitled to if I go on maternity leave? Also are they obliged to keep my full-time job open?

    Editor: If you have been working in this job since just before you got pregnant and are still there after the 26th week of your pregnancy, you will qualify for SMP. If you have not, you should be entitled to Maternity Allowance. If you are permanent staff, you will be entitled to return to your job after nine months and to your job or a similar alternative after 12 months – see https://www.gov.uk/employee-rights-when-on-leave.

     

  • Anonymous says:

    My employer told me that they want to send me home on my 20th week of pregnancy. Is that possible? Will I get paid?

    Editor: Do you mean they are forcing you to start your maternity leave in your 20th week? What are their reasons? Normally it is up to the employee when they start their maternity leave. The only exception is if you are off sick in the last four weeks of your pregnancy when your employer can ask you to start your maternity leave. It is illegal for your employer to discriminate against you because you are pregnant.

  • Anonymous says:

    My employer told me that they want to send me home on my 20th week of pregnancy. Is that possible? Will I get paid?

    Editor: Do you mean they are forcing you to start your maternity leave in your 20th week? What are their reasons? Normally it is up to the employee when they start their maternity leave. The only exception is if you are off sick in the last four weeks of your pregnancy when your employer can ask you to start your maternity leave. It is illegal for your employer to discriminate against you because you are pregnant.

  • Anonymous says:

    My employer told me that they want to send me home on my 20th week of pregnancy. Is that possible? Will I get paid?

    Editor: Do you mean they are forcing you to start your maternity leave in your 20th week? What are their reasons? Normally it is up to the employee when they start their maternity leave. The only exception is if you are off sick in the last four weeks of your pregnancy when your employer can ask you to start your maternity leave. It is illegal for your employer to discriminate against you because you are pregnant.

  • Anonymous says:

    Hi, I have a full-time job (33 hours) which I have been employed at for 4 years and a part time job (20 hours) which I have been working at for 9 years. Both jobs are permanent contracts and have maternity entitlement. Will I be able to get SMP for both jobs?

    Editor: If you earn more than £109 a week on each then you should qualify for SMP on both jobs.

  • Anonymous says:

    I have been on maternity leave for the last 9 months and due to go back to work next month. My employer has now made my position redundant so I will not be going back. I have now found out I am pregnant again. Will I be entiltled to SMP??

    Editor: You will not be entitled to SMP unless you are still working for your current employer by the 26th week of your pregnancy and are earning more than £109 a week in the eight weeks preceding this. Otherwise you should qualify for Maternity Allowance - https://www.gov.uk/maternity-allowance/overview

  • Anonymous says:

    Hi, I have a full-time job (33 hours) which I have been employed at for 4 years and a part time job (20 hours) which I have been working at for 9 years. Both jobs are permanent contracts and have maternity entitlement. Will I be able to get SMP for both jobs?

    Editor: If you earn more than £109 a week on each then you should qualify for SMP on both jobs.

  • Anonymous says:

    I have been on maternity leave for the last 9 months and due to go back to work next month. My employer has now made my position redundant so I will not be going back. I have now found out I am pregnant again. Will I be entiltled to SMP??

    Editor: You will not be entitled to SMP unless you are still working for your current employer by the 26th week of your pregnancy and are earning more than £109 a week in the eight weeks preceding this. Otherwise you should qualify for Maternity Allowance - https://www.gov.uk/maternity-allowance/overview

  • Anonymous says:

    Hi, I have a full-time job (33 hours) which I have been employed at for 4 years and a part time job (20 hours) which I have been working at for 9 years. Both jobs are permanent contracts and have maternity entitlement. Will I be able to get SMP for both jobs?

    Editor: If you earn more than £109 a week on each then you should qualify for SMP on both jobs.

  • Anonymous says:

    I have been on maternity leave for the last 9 months and due to go back to work next month. My employer has now made my position redundant so I will not be going back. I have now found out I am pregnant again. Will I be entiltled to SMP??

    Editor: You will not be entitled to SMP unless you are still working for your current employer by the 26th week of your pregnancy and are earning more than £109 a week in the eight weeks preceding this. Otherwise you should qualify for Maternity Allowance - https://www.gov.uk/maternity-allowance/overview

  • Anonymous says:

    Hi, I've fallen pregnant. This was not a planned pregnancy and I have no clue as to how I can afford this. I've worked with my company full time for 7 years and am entitled to 6 weeks maternity pay at 90% then straight on to SMP. Is there such a scheme I can pay into to increase my SMP whilst I'm still working?

    Editor: I'm afraid SMP is set at a standard rate. It is six weeks at 90% of your average salary in the eight weeks leading up to your 26th week of pregnancy and then a set rate for the remaining 33 weeks.

  • Anonymous says:

    Hi, I've fallen pregnant. This was not a planned pregnancy and I have no clue as to how I can afford this. I've worked with my company full time for 7 years and am entitled to 6 weeks maternity pay at 90% then straight on to SMP. Is there such a scheme I can pay into to increase my SMP whilst I'm still working?

    Editor: I'm afraid SMP is set at a standard rate. It is six weeks at 90% of your average salary in the eight weeks leading up to your 26th week of pregnancy and then a set rate for the remaining 33 weeks.

  • Anonymous says:

    Hi, I've fallen pregnant. This was not a planned pregnancy and I have no clue as to how I can afford this. I've worked with my company full time for 7 years and am entitled to 6 weeks maternity pay at 90% then straight on to SMP. Is there such a scheme I can pay into to increase my SMP whilst I'm still working?

    Editor: I'm afraid SMP is set at a standard rate. It is six weeks at 90% of your average salary in the eight weeks leading up to your 26th week of pregnancy and then a set rate for the remaining 33 weeks.

  • Anonymous says:

    Hi, I started a job on 19/5/2013 and I'm pregnant now. If I work until 26 weeks my due date will be 16 weeks before. Can I get maternity leave?

    Editor: I think you may mean SMP. You will definitely qualify for maternity leave. To qualify you must have worked continuously for the company at least 26 weeks up to the 15th week before your baby is due, earn over £109 a week and inform your employer within the right timeframe – see https://www.gov.uk/maternity-pay-leave/eligibility

  • Anonymous says:

    I am employed full time by one employer and have been for over nine years. I also have another part time job for 4.5 hours a week which I am on a temporary contract for and have been for two years. Will I be able to claim any maternity pay for my second job or would I need to change my hours or contract.

    Editor: You can claim SMP on two jobs, but you have to qualify on each job so you would need to be earning an average of £109 a week in the eight weeks leading up to the 26th week of your pregnancy. You cannot claim SMP and Maternity Allowance. Are you an employee rather than an agency worker? If so, you should be able to claim SMP if you satisfy the earnings rule and the continuous employment rule [over 26 weeks by the 26th week of pregnancy].

  • Anonymous says:

    Hi, I started a job on 19/5/2013 and I'm pregnant now. If I work until 26 weeks my due date will be 16 weeks before. Can I get maternity leave?

    Editor: I think you may mean SMP. You will definitely qualify for maternity leave. To qualify you must have worked continuously for the company at least 26 weeks up to the 15th week before your baby is due, earn over £109 a week and inform your employer within the right timeframe – see https://www.gov.uk/maternity-pay-leave/eligibility

  • Anonymous says:

    I am employed full time by one employer and have been for over nine years. I also have another part time job for 4.5 hours a week which I am on a temporary contract for and have been for two years. Will I be able to claim any maternity pay for my second job or would I need to change my hours or contract.

    Editor: You can claim SMP on two jobs, but you have to qualify on each job so you would need to be earning an average of £109 a week in the eight weeks leading up to the 26th week of your pregnancy. You cannot claim SMP and Maternity Allowance. Are you an employee rather than an agency worker? If so, you should be able to claim SMP if you satisfy the earnings rule and the continuous employment rule [over 26 weeks by the 26th week of pregnancy].

  • Anonymous says:

    Hi, I started a job on 19/5/2013 and I'm pregnant now. If I work until 26 weeks my due date will be 16 weeks before. Can I get maternity leave?

    Editor: I think you may mean SMP. You will definitely qualify for maternity leave. To qualify you must have worked continuously for the company at least 26 weeks up to the 15th week before your baby is due, earn over £109 a week and inform your employer within the right timeframe – see https://www.gov.uk/maternity-pay-leave/eligibility

  • Anonymous says:

    I am employed full time by one employer and have been for over nine years. I also have another part time job for 4.5 hours a week which I am on a temporary contract for and have been for two years. Will I be able to claim any maternity pay for my second job or would I need to change my hours or contract.

    Editor: You can claim SMP on two jobs, but you have to qualify on each job so you would need to be earning an average of £109 a week in the eight weeks leading up to the 26th week of your pregnancy. You cannot claim SMP and Maternity Allowance. Are you an employee rather than an agency worker? If so, you should be able to claim SMP if you satisfy the earnings rule and the continuous employment rule [over 26 weeks by the 26th week of pregnancy].

  • Anonymous says:

    I have been on maternity for four weeks now and have not received any pay. I have not contacted my employer and they keep ignoring my calls and texts. First they said they had lost all the relevant paper work and now they are saying it's the payroll department's fault. I am really struggling with funds. What can I do?

    Editor: In the first instance, contact the HM Revenue & Customs Enquiry Line on 0845 302 1479 for advice and information and let them know what has happened.

  • Anonymous says:

    I have been on maternity leave for 31 weeks. My employer paid me 2 lots of SMP in 1 month and is now saying I have received all of my SMP allowance, when I know this is not right. Where do I stand with this?

    Editor: If you believe your employer's decision is wrong, you can contact the HM Revenue & Customs Statutory Payments Disputes Team. They make decisions on all questions you may have on SMP. The Statutory Payments Disputes Team can be contacted on 0191 2255221.

  • Anonymous says:

    I have been on maternity for four weeks now and have not received any pay. I have not contacted my employer and they keep ignoring my calls and texts. First they said they had lost all the relevant paper work and now they are saying it's the payroll department's fault. I am really struggling with funds. What can I do?

    Editor: In the first instance, contact the HM Revenue & Customs Enquiry Line on 0845 302 1479 for advice and information and let them know what has happened.

  • Anonymous says:

    I have been on maternity leave for 31 weeks. My employer paid me 2 lots of SMP in 1 month and is now saying I have received all of my SMP allowance, when I know this is not right. Where do I stand with this?

    Editor: If you believe your employer's decision is wrong, you can contact the HM Revenue & Customs Statutory Payments Disputes Team. They make decisions on all questions you may have on SMP. The Statutory Payments Disputes Team can be contacted on 0191 2255221.

  • Anonymous says:

    I have been on maternity for four weeks now and have not received any pay. I have not contacted my employer and they keep ignoring my calls and texts. First they said they had lost all the relevant paper work and now they are saying it's the payroll department's fault. I am really struggling with funds. What can I do?

    Editor: In the first instance, contact the HM Revenue & Customs Enquiry Line on 0845 302 1479 for advice and information and let them know what has happened.

  • Anonymous says:

    I have been on maternity leave for 31 weeks. My employer paid me 2 lots of SMP in 1 month and is now saying I have received all of my SMP allowance, when I know this is not right. Where do I stand with this?

    Editor: If you believe your employer's decision is wrong, you can contact the HM Revenue & Customs Statutory Payments Disputes Team. They make decisions on all questions you may have on SMP. The Statutory Payments Disputes Team can be contacted on 0191 2255221.

  • Anonymous says:

    I am planning on taking 39 weeks maternity leave. Will I be entitled to the same job that I had or does that right end after the 26 weeks leave?

    Editor: After 26 weeks, employees have the right to their job or a similar job (if it’s not possible to give them their old job). Similar means the job has the same or better terms and conditions. If the employee unreasonably refuses to take the similar job the employer can take this as their resignation.

  • Anonymous says:

    I am planning on taking 39 weeks maternity leave. Will I be entitled to the same job that I had or does that right end after the 26 weeks leave?

    Editor: After 26 weeks, employees have the right to their job or a similar job (if it’s not possible to give them their old job). Similar means the job has the same or better terms and conditions. If the employee unreasonably refuses to take the similar job the employer can take this as their resignation.

  • Anonymous says:

    I am planning on taking 39 weeks maternity leave. Will I be entitled to the same job that I had or does that right end after the 26 weeks leave?

    Editor: After 26 weeks, employees have the right to their job or a similar job (if it’s not possible to give them their old job). Similar means the job has the same or better terms and conditions. If the employee unreasonably refuses to take the similar job the employer can take this as their resignation.

  • Anonymous says:

    I have been a self-employed sales agent with a company from 1st April 2013 and have signed a yearly contract with them starting from that date. I have found out that I am pregnant and the baby is due 31st October. I haven't told my principal yet as I am waiting on scan and test results coming back. I know I will be entitled to MA, but I would like to know what my rights are regarding my contract as I am fit and healthy and wish to continue working right up to my due date and return after minimum maternity leave. Do the company need to keep me on? Will they still pay my sales commission during my maternity leave and also do they have to keep the position open for me to return after the baby? 

    Editor: Our HR expert Tara Daynes says: I'm afraid  that as a self-employed contracted worker, rather than an employee, you have no maternity rights beyond Maternity Allowance. So although your client company should still ensure your health & safety as an expectant mother, you have no rights to maternity leave, return to work, SMP, continued benefits etc.

    You can certainly continue working for as long as you like – this is your choice, not that of your client company, although if they have valid business reasons to terminate your service contract early then they can do (subject to any provisions in the contract for giving notice etc.) From what you've said, it seems you want to take 2 weeks off (the period of compulsory leave after having a baby) then return to your contract. Again, unless the client company has a valid business reason for not wanting you to do that, it shouldn't be a problem (presumably you could take 2 weeks' prearranged holiday time during your year's contract without it being a problem?). Any entitlement to sales commissions while you are taking time off would again be subject to any agreed arrangements in your contract.
    The bottom line is that your pregnancy & maternity leave should not be a factor in any decision the company makes regarding whether or not to continue your contract. You are still protected by discrimination legislation though, so if you feel you have suffered detrimental treatment due to your pregnancy & not for any objectively justifiable business reasons, then you can still claim for sex discrimination under the Equality Act.
     
  • Anonymous says:

    I have been a self-employed sales agent with a company from 1st April 2013 and have signed a yearly contract with them starting from that date. I have found out that I am pregnant and the baby is due 31st October. I haven't told my principal yet as I am waiting on scan and test results coming back. I know I will be entitled to MA, but I would like to know what my rights are regarding my contract as I am fit and healthy and wish to continue working right up to my due date and return after minimum maternity leave. Do the company need to keep me on? Will they still pay my sales commission during my maternity leave and also do they have to keep the position open for me to return after the baby? 

    Editor: Our HR expert Tara Daynes says: I'm afraid  that as a self-employed contracted worker, rather than an employee, you have no maternity rights beyond Maternity Allowance. So although your client company should still ensure your health & safety as an expectant mother, you have no rights to maternity leave, return to work, SMP, continued benefits etc.

    You can certainly continue working for as long as you like – this is your choice, not that of your client company, although if they have valid business reasons to terminate your service contract early then they can do (subject to any provisions in the contract for giving notice etc.) From what you've said, it seems you want to take 2 weeks off (the period of compulsory leave after having a baby) then return to your contract. Again, unless the client company has a valid business reason for not wanting you to do that, it shouldn't be a problem (presumably you could take 2 weeks' prearranged holiday time during your year's contract without it being a problem?). Any entitlement to sales commissions while you are taking time off would again be subject to any agreed arrangements in your contract.
    The bottom line is that your pregnancy & maternity leave should not be a factor in any decision the company makes regarding whether or not to continue your contract. You are still protected by discrimination legislation though, so if you feel you have suffered detrimental treatment due to your pregnancy & not for any objectively justifiable business reasons, then you can still claim for sex discrimination under the Equality Act.
     
  • Anonymous says:

    I have been a self-employed sales agent with a company from 1st April 2013 and have signed a yearly contract with them starting from that date. I have found out that I am pregnant and the baby is due 31st October. I haven't told my principal yet as I am waiting on scan and test results coming back. I know I will be entitled to MA, but I would like to know what my rights are regarding my contract as I am fit and healthy and wish to continue working right up to my due date and return after minimum maternity leave. Do the company need to keep me on? Will they still pay my sales commission during my maternity leave and also do they have to keep the position open for me to return after the baby? 

    Editor: Our HR expert Tara Daynes says: I'm afraid  that as a self-employed contracted worker, rather than an employee, you have no maternity rights beyond Maternity Allowance. So although your client company should still ensure your health & safety as an expectant mother, you have no rights to maternity leave, return to work, SMP, continued benefits etc.

    You can certainly continue working for as long as you like – this is your choice, not that of your client company, although if they have valid business reasons to terminate your service contract early then they can do (subject to any provisions in the contract for giving notice etc.) From what you've said, it seems you want to take 2 weeks off (the period of compulsory leave after having a baby) then return to your contract. Again, unless the client company has a valid business reason for not wanting you to do that, it shouldn't be a problem (presumably you could take 2 weeks' prearranged holiday time during your year's contract without it being a problem?). Any entitlement to sales commissions while you are taking time off would again be subject to any agreed arrangements in your contract.
    The bottom line is that your pregnancy & maternity leave should not be a factor in any decision the company makes regarding whether or not to continue your contract. You are still protected by discrimination legislation though, so if you feel you have suffered detrimental treatment due to your pregnancy & not for any objectively justifiable business reasons, then you can still claim for sex discrimination under the Equality Act.
     
  • Anonymous says:

    If I do not return to work I have to pay back 12 weeks at half pay. But as I was part time I now realise that this only amounts roughly to what SMP is. So can I backdate a claim for SMP for this period if I pay back the OPM? Could I have opted to just receive SMP for this period, and if so should I have been informed of this? Thank you for your help.

    Editor: I am afraid you will need to provide more information. Normally contractual maternity pay includes SMP. However, you do not have to pay back the SMP element if you do not return, just the extra.

  • Anonymous says:

    If I do not return to work I have to pay back 12 weeks at half pay. But as I was part time I now realise that this only amounts roughly to what SMP is. So can I backdate a claim for SMP for this period if I pay back the OPM? Could I have opted to just receive SMP for this period, and if so should I have been informed of this? Thank you for your help.

    Editor: I am afraid you will need to provide more information. Normally contractual maternity pay includes SMP. However, you do not have to pay back the SMP element if you do not return, just the extra.

  • Anonymous says:

    If I do not return to work I have to pay back 12 weeks at half pay. But as I was part time I now realise that this only amounts roughly to what SMP is. So can I backdate a claim for SMP for this period if I pay back the OPM? Could I have opted to just receive SMP for this period, and if so should I have been informed of this? Thank you for your help.

    Editor: I am afraid you will need to provide more information. Normally contractual maternity pay includes SMP. However, you do not have to pay back the SMP element if you do not return, just the extra.

  • Anonymous says:

    Hi, I am due back to work after having a year off on maternity (52 weeks) I have requested part time at two days a week instead of going back full time. I have had a meeting with them. However, I don't feel at this point they will accommodate me in my existing position part time due to the demands of the job, the effect it may have on other colleagues and extra hours expected to work unpaid. What is the likelihood of my company agreeing to a part time position, and what happens from here? I'm expecting they'll write to me soon with an answer. I'd like to know my rights and what my options are.

    Editor: If your request is turned down, as you anticipate, you can appeal this if you feel you can put up a good argument for why you believe the grounds are not correct – see https://www.workingmums.co.uk/advice-and-support/career-advice/197211/flexible-working-a-guide-for-employers.thtml. Your employer may offer you an alternative position part time and it is then up to you if you want to accept it.

  • Anonymous says:

    Hi, I am due back to work after having a year off on maternity (52 weeks) I have requested part time at two days a week instead of going back full time. I have had a meeting with them. However, I don't feel at this point they will accommodate me in my existing position part time due to the demands of the job, the effect it may have on other colleagues and extra hours expected to work unpaid. What is the likelihood of my company agreeing to a part time position, and what happens from here? I'm expecting they'll write to me soon with an answer. I'd like to know my rights and what my options are.

    Editor: If your request is turned down, as you anticipate, you can appeal this if you feel you can put up a good argument for why you believe the grounds are not correct – see https://www.workingmums.co.uk/advice-and-support/career-advice/197211/flexible-working-a-guide-for-employers.thtml. Your employer may offer you an alternative position part time and it is then up to you if you want to accept it.

  • Anonymous says:

    Hi, I am due back to work after having a year off on maternity (52 weeks) I have requested part time at two days a week instead of going back full time. I have had a meeting with them. However, I don't feel at this point they will accommodate me in my existing position part time due to the demands of the job, the effect it may have on other colleagues and extra hours expected to work unpaid. What is the likelihood of my company agreeing to a part time position, and what happens from here? I'm expecting they'll write to me soon with an answer. I'd like to know my rights and what my options are.

    Editor: If your request is turned down, as you anticipate, you can appeal this if you feel you can put up a good argument for why you believe the grounds are not correct – see https://www.workingmums.co.uk/advice-and-support/career-advice/197211/flexible-working-a-guide-for-employers.thtml. Your employer may offer you an alternative position part time and it is then up to you if you want to accept it.

  • Anonymous says:

    My wife is pregnant but also being made redundant. She has been working at the school for 9 years in FT and more recently PT position. She will still be employed in the 15th qualifying week 'before baby is due' so will qualify for SMP. Would/should she also qualify for contractual maternity pay? Finishes 31st August, baby due late October.

    Editor: Your right to contractual maternity pay normally stops when your contract ends. If you are made redundant you will probably lose your contractual pay from the date of your redundancy and just get SMP for any remaining weeks.

     

  • Anonymous says:

    Hi, I have been employed for six years, but have started a new job so my original job is part time now and I am full time in the new one and have been there three months. Will I be entitled to maternity pay? I did get pregnant after I started the new job, so will I get maternity from the old job/ the new job or none? I only get four hours a week at the old job so the income is very low, what is the minimum I would be entitled to?

    Editor: If you got pregnant after you started the new job you would not qualify for SMP and for the second job you would need to be earning over £109 a week in the qualifying period [the eight weeks leading up to your 26th week of pregnancy] to qualify for SMP. Otherwise, you will qualify for Maternity Allowance.

     

  • Anonymous says:

    My wife is pregnant but also being made redundant. She has been working at the school for 9 years in FT and more recently PT position. She will still be employed in the 15th qualifying week 'before baby is due' so will qualify for SMP. Would/should she also qualify for contractual maternity pay? Finishes 31st August, baby due late October.

    Editor: Your right to contractual maternity pay normally stops when your contract ends. If you are made redundant you will probably lose your contractual pay from the date of your redundancy and just get SMP for any remaining weeks.

     

  • Anonymous says:

    Hi, I have been employed for six years, but have started a new job so my original job is part time now and I am full time in the new one and have been there three months. Will I be entitled to maternity pay? I did get pregnant after I started the new job, so will I get maternity from the old job/ the new job or none? I only get four hours a week at the old job so the income is very low, what is the minimum I would be entitled to?

    Editor: If you got pregnant after you started the new job you would not qualify for SMP and for the second job you would need to be earning over £109 a week in the qualifying period [the eight weeks leading up to your 26th week of pregnancy] to qualify for SMP. Otherwise, you will qualify for Maternity Allowance.

     

  • Anonymous says:

    My wife is pregnant but also being made redundant. She has been working at the school for 9 years in FT and more recently PT position. She will still be employed in the 15th qualifying week 'before baby is due' so will qualify for SMP. Would/should she also qualify for contractual maternity pay? Finishes 31st August, baby due late October.

    Editor: Your right to contractual maternity pay normally stops when your contract ends. If you are made redundant you will probably lose your contractual pay from the date of your redundancy and just get SMP for any remaining weeks.

     

  • Anonymous says:

    Hi, I have been employed for six years, but have started a new job so my original job is part time now and I am full time in the new one and have been there three months. Will I be entitled to maternity pay? I did get pregnant after I started the new job, so will I get maternity from the old job/ the new job or none? I only get four hours a week at the old job so the income is very low, what is the minimum I would be entitled to?

    Editor: If you got pregnant after you started the new job you would not qualify for SMP and for the second job you would need to be earning over £109 a week in the qualifying period [the eight weeks leading up to your 26th week of pregnancy] to qualify for SMP. Otherwise, you will qualify for Maternity Allowance.

     

  • Anonymous says:

    I have being doing a maternity cover contract for 7 months and I know the person who's just had the baby will be returning to her post, I have just found out I'm 7 weeks pregnant. Am I entitled to SMP if my contract ends before my 15th week due date?

    Editor: I'm afraid you would not be entitled to SMP if you are not employed by the 26th week of your pregnancy. You should be able to claim Maternity Allowance, however, if you have worked for 33 of the last 66 weeks for any employer.

  • Anonymous says:

    I have being doing a maternity cover contract for 7 months and I know the person who's just had the baby will be returning to her post, I have just found out I'm 7 weeks pregnant. Am I entitled to SMP if my contract ends before my 15th week due date?

    Editor: I'm afraid you would not be entitled to SMP if you are not employed by the 26th week of your pregnancy. You should be able to claim Maternity Allowance, however, if you have worked for 33 of the last 66 weeks for any employer.

  • Anonymous says:

    I have being doing a maternity cover contract for 7 months and I know the person who's just had the baby will be returning to her post, I have just found out I'm 7 weeks pregnant. Am I entitled to SMP if my contract ends before my 15th week due date?

    Editor: I'm afraid you would not be entitled to SMP if you are not employed by the 26th week of your pregnancy. You should be able to claim Maternity Allowance, however, if you have worked for 33 of the last 66 weeks for any employer.

  • Anonymous says:

    I just finished my maternity leave, but am not going back to work. All I have had off them is £110 a week SMP. Will I have to pay anything back to them when I hand my notice in?

    Editor: If it is just about SMP, you will not have to pay anything back.

  • Anonymous says:

    I am due to return to work in 6 weeks' time. I have informed my employer of the date I intend to return to work. I have only taken approximately 15 & a half weeks maternity leave and have now decided I would like to take further leave.

    Can I do this? Can I decide to take further maternity leave after I have returned to work or does it have to run concurrently?

    Editor: I am afraid it has to run concurrently. You will lose your SMP the week you return to work.

  • Anonymous says:

    I just finished my maternity leave, but am not going back to work. All I have had off them is £110 a week SMP. Will I have to pay anything back to them when I hand my notice in?

    Editor: If it is just about SMP, you will not have to pay anything back.

  • Anonymous says:

    I am due to return to work in 6 weeks' time. I have informed my employer of the date I intend to return to work. I have only taken approximately 15 & a half weeks maternity leave and have now decided I would like to take further leave.

    Can I do this? Can I decide to take further maternity leave after I have returned to work or does it have to run concurrently?

    Editor: I am afraid it has to run concurrently. You will lose your SMP the week you return to work.

  • Anonymous says:

    I just finished my maternity leave, but am not going back to work. All I have had off them is £110 a week SMP. Will I have to pay anything back to them when I hand my notice in?

    Editor: If it is just about SMP, you will not have to pay anything back.

  • Anonymous says:

    I am due to return to work in 6 weeks' time. I have informed my employer of the date I intend to return to work. I have only taken approximately 15 & a half weeks maternity leave and have now decided I would like to take further leave.

    Can I do this? Can I decide to take further maternity leave after I have returned to work or does it have to run concurrently?

    Editor: I am afraid it has to run concurrently. You will lose your SMP the week you return to work.

  • Anonymous says:

    I am on SMP until sept 13. I was a full-time lifeguard, also teaching several fitness classes. If I go back to teaching the classes now but not to lifeguarding until the 39 weeks finishes will my SMP stop?

    Editor: Are you claiming the SMP solely on the lifeguard work? If so and you did the fitness classes before you went on maternity leave you will be able to start again without your SMP being affected.

  • Anonymous says:

    I am on SMP until sept 13. I was a full-time lifeguard, also teaching several fitness classes. If I go back to teaching the classes now but not to lifeguarding until the 39 weeks finishes will my SMP stop?

    Editor: Are you claiming the SMP solely on the lifeguard work? If so and you did the fitness classes before you went on maternity leave you will be able to start again without your SMP being affected.

  • Anonymous says:

    I am on SMP until sept 13. I was a full-time lifeguard, also teaching several fitness classes. If I go back to teaching the classes now but not to lifeguarding until the 39 weeks finishes will my SMP stop?

    Editor: Are you claiming the SMP solely on the lifeguard work? If so and you did the fitness classes before you went on maternity leave you will be able to start again without your SMP being affected.

  • Anonymous says:

    I just started self employment and a few weeks later I found out I was pregnant. I have been paying class 2 national insurance and my earnings are only about £35.00 per week, but as I have been paying class 2 national insurance will I get the higher rate of materity allowance?

    Editor: On Maternity Allowance you get £136.78 a week or 90% of your average weekly earnings over a 13-week period, whichever is lower. You may also be able to claim other benefits. Check this with http://www.turn2us.org.uk.

  • Anonymous says:

    I just started self employment and a few weeks later I found out I was pregnant. I have been paying class 2 national insurance and my earnings are only about £35.00 per week, but as I have been paying class 2 national insurance will I get the higher rate of materity allowance?

    Editor: On Maternity Allowance you get £136.78 a week or 90% of your average weekly earnings over a 13-week period, whichever is lower. You may also be able to claim other benefits. Check this with http://www.turn2us.org.uk.

  • Anonymous says:

    I just started self employment and a few weeks later I found out I was pregnant. I have been paying class 2 national insurance and my earnings are only about £35.00 per week, but as I have been paying class 2 national insurance will I get the higher rate of materity allowance?

    Editor: On Maternity Allowance you get £136.78 a week or 90% of your average weekly earnings over a 13-week period, whichever is lower. You may also be able to claim other benefits. Check this with http://www.turn2us.org.uk.

  • Anonymous says:

    I am hoping to still work when on maternity leave, but just two days a month – working from home – as I work for a small charity and it would help them as well as keep up the work I have already done. Is this allowed?
     

    Editor: Have you been working for this charity for some time? If you were already working for them before you went on maternity leave you will not lose SMP. It's only if you start a new job while on maternity leave.

  • Anonymous says:

    I am hoping to still work when on maternity leave, but just two days a month – working from home – as I work for a small charity and it would help them as well as keep up the work I have already done. Is this allowed?
     

    Editor: Have you been working for this charity for some time? If you were already working for them before you went on maternity leave you will not lose SMP. It's only if you start a new job while on maternity leave.

  • Anonymous says:

    I am hoping to still work when on maternity leave, but just two days a month – working from home – as I work for a small charity and it would help them as well as keep up the work I have already done. Is this allowed?
     

    Editor: Have you been working for this charity for some time? If you were already working for them before you went on maternity leave you will not lose SMP. It's only if you start a new job while on maternity leave.

  • Anonymous says:

    Hi, I have two part time jobs & have worked with my both employers for 2 years. I'm only contracted to 7 hours in one place & 8 in the other. I also do overtime, but after reading plenty of sites I'm pretty sure I'd only qualify for maternity allowance…will I get maternity allowance for both?? I've earned £350 with one & £230 with the other per month for the past 2 months? Thank you.

    Editor: I'm afraid you can only claim maternity allowance once. To qualify for SMP you would need to earn £107 or more a week over the qualifying period so you would probably only get MA.

  • Anonymous says:

    Hi, I have two part time jobs & have worked with my both employers for 2 years. I'm only contracted to 7 hours in one place & 8 in the other. I also do overtime, but after reading plenty of sites I'm pretty sure I'd only qualify for maternity allowance…will I get maternity allowance for both?? I've earned £350 with one & £230 with the other per month for the past 2 months? Thank you.

    Editor: I'm afraid you can only claim maternity allowance once. To qualify for SMP you would need to earn £107 or more a week over the qualifying period so you would probably only get MA.

  • Anonymous says:

    Hi, I have two part time jobs & have worked with my both employers for 2 years. I'm only contracted to 7 hours in one place & 8 in the other. I also do overtime, but after reading plenty of sites I'm pretty sure I'd only qualify for maternity allowance…will I get maternity allowance for both?? I've earned £350 with one & £230 with the other per month for the past 2 months? Thank you.

    Editor: I'm afraid you can only claim maternity allowance once. To qualify for SMP you would need to earn £107 or more a week over the qualifying period so you would probably only get MA.

  • Anonymous says:

    Hi, I am pregnant and due 2nd September. I work part time 17 1/2 hours a week. Do I get 39 weeks smp? I have worked for the same company for over a year.

    Editor: You would certainly qualify on continuity of employment. You need to also qualify on the earnings side – you must earn an average of at least £107 a week. See https://www.gov.uk/maternity-pay-leave/eligibility

     

  • Anonymous says:

    Hi, I am pregnant and due 2nd September. I work part time 17 1/2 hours a week. Do I get 39 weeks smp? I have worked for the same company for over a year.

    Editor: You would certainly qualify on continuity of employment. You need to also qualify on the earnings side – you must earn an average of at least £107 a week. See https://www.gov.uk/maternity-pay-leave/eligibility

     

  • Anonymous says:

    Hi, I am pregnant and due 2nd September. I work part time 17 1/2 hours a week. Do I get 39 weeks smp? I have worked for the same company for over a year.

    Editor: You would certainly qualify on continuity of employment. You need to also qualify on the earnings side – you must earn an average of at least £107 a week. See https://www.gov.uk/maternity-pay-leave/eligibility

     

  • Anonymous says:

    Hi, I have worked for a company for 7 years. After my first maternity leave in 2010 I returned to work on 30 hours a week (4 days) instead of full time employment. I am due to return after my second maternity leave mid May and I have requested my hours to be reduced to 26 hours. This is currently being considered. However, I have been told that due to part of the business closing my previous job that I was working four days a week doing is now full time. I wonder if someone can tell me what my rights are ? What I would like to know is if they cannot accommodate me for the 26 hours do they still have to honour the 30 hours I was previously on even though the job I was doing is now full time due to added responsibilities? Thanks.

    Editor: Could you possibly give a few more details. Were you consulted on the changes to your role or told this as a fait accompli? Could you reply via the Advice & Support/Q & A page box as we then can email you back directly.

  • Anonymous says:

    Hi, I am on an 18-month contract which finishes at the end of September. I have just found out that I am pregnant which would make me due around mid November. My understanding was that I would have to claim Maternity Allowance as my contract will have ended by then, but reading a little more into it I am not now clear as to whether I need to take SMP through my current employer (who will no longer be my employer by November, but will have been up till 6 weeks ish before I’m due). Could you possibly clarrify whether I would be looking at maternity allowance or SMP?

    Editor: If you were employed just before you got pregnant up to or past the 26th week of your pregnancy and were earning over £107 a week you qualify for SMP, regardless of whether you left that employment just before the baby was born. You must inform your employer of your pregnancy no later than the 26th week of your pregnancy – see http://www.dwp.gov.uk/publications/specialist-guides/technical-guidance/ni17a-a-guide-to-maternity/statutory-maternity-pay-smp/how-to-get-smp/ 

  • Anonymous says:

    Hi, I have worked for a company for 7 years. After my first maternity leave in 2010 I returned to work on 30 hours a week (4 days) instead of full time employment. I am due to return after my second maternity leave mid May and I have requested my hours to be reduced to 26 hours. This is currently being considered. However, I have been told that due to part of the business closing my previous job that I was working four days a week doing is now full time. I wonder if someone can tell me what my rights are ? What I would like to know is if they cannot accommodate me for the 26 hours do they still have to honour the 30 hours I was previously on even though the job I was doing is now full time due to added responsibilities? Thanks.

    Editor: Could you possibly give a few more details. Were you consulted on the changes to your role or told this as a fait accompli? Could you reply via the Advice & Support/Q & A page box as we then can email you back directly.

  • Anonymous says:

    Hi, I am on an 18-month contract which finishes at the end of September. I have just found out that I am pregnant which would make me due around mid November. My understanding was that I would have to claim Maternity Allowance as my contract will have ended by then, but reading a little more into it I am not now clear as to whether I need to take SMP through my current employer (who will no longer be my employer by November, but will have been up till 6 weeks ish before I’m due). Could you possibly clarrify whether I would be looking at maternity allowance or SMP?

    Editor: If you were employed just before you got pregnant up to or past the 26th week of your pregnancy and were earning over £107 a week you qualify for SMP, regardless of whether you left that employment just before the baby was born. You must inform your employer of your pregnancy no later than the 26th week of your pregnancy – see http://www.dwp.gov.uk/publications/specialist-guides/technical-guidance/ni17a-a-guide-to-maternity/statutory-maternity-pay-smp/how-to-get-smp/ 

  • Anonymous says:

    Hi, I have worked for a company for 7 years. After my first maternity leave in 2010 I returned to work on 30 hours a week (4 days) instead of full time employment. I am due to return after my second maternity leave mid May and I have requested my hours to be reduced to 26 hours. This is currently being considered. However, I have been told that due to part of the business closing my previous job that I was working four days a week doing is now full time. I wonder if someone can tell me what my rights are ? What I would like to know is if they cannot accommodate me for the 26 hours do they still have to honour the 30 hours I was previously on even though the job I was doing is now full time due to added responsibilities? Thanks.

    Editor: Could you possibly give a few more details. Were you consulted on the changes to your role or told this as a fait accompli? Could you reply via the Advice & Support/Q & A page box as we then can email you back directly.

  • Anonymous says:

    Hi, I am on an 18-month contract which finishes at the end of September. I have just found out that I am pregnant which would make me due around mid November. My understanding was that I would have to claim Maternity Allowance as my contract will have ended by then, but reading a little more into it I am not now clear as to whether I need to take SMP through my current employer (who will no longer be my employer by November, but will have been up till 6 weeks ish before I’m due). Could you possibly clarrify whether I would be looking at maternity allowance or SMP?

    Editor: If you were employed just before you got pregnant up to or past the 26th week of your pregnancy and were earning over £107 a week you qualify for SMP, regardless of whether you left that employment just before the baby was born. You must inform your employer of your pregnancy no later than the 26th week of your pregnancy – see http://www.dwp.gov.uk/publications/specialist-guides/technical-guidance/ni17a-a-guide-to-maternity/statutory-maternity-pay-smp/how-to-get-smp/ 

  • Anonymous says:

    Hi i am on maternity leave at the moment and my son is 14 weeks old. I think i may be pregnant again but am on maternity allowance so i was just wanting to no as i return to work in july most of my 66weeks period would be maternity allowane so what would i be entitled to. Thanks

  • Anonymous says:

    Hi i am on maternity leave at the moment and my son is 14 weeks old. I think i may be pregnant again but am on maternity allowance so i was just wanting to no as i return to work in july most of my 66weeks period would be maternity allowane so what would i be entitled to. Thanks

  • Anonymous says:

    Hi i am on maternity leave at the moment and my son is 14 weeks old. I think i may be pregnant again but am on maternity allowance so i was just wanting to no as i return to work in july most of my 66weeks period would be maternity allowane so what would i be entitled to. Thanks

  • Anonymous says:

    Hi
    I am currently on maternity leave and due to return to work on the 22nd April. I work through and agency and have been at the same place of work for nearly 3 years now.
    I wrote to my employer to apply for flexible working hours so I can work part-time and they didn’t bother to write back to me, so I rang them today and they said there aren’t any positions avaialbe at the moment. Aren’t they supposed to keep your job open for you so you can return after maternity leave? Not sure if this applies to agency workers too? Permanent employees have been allowed to return to work part-time after having babies so I don’t see how they cannot allow me to as well.

  • Anonymous says:

    Hi
    I am currently on maternity leave and due to return to work on the 22nd April. I work through and agency and have been at the same place of work for nearly 3 years now.
    I wrote to my employer to apply for flexible working hours so I can work part-time and they didn’t bother to write back to me, so I rang them today and they said there aren’t any positions avaialbe at the moment. Aren’t they supposed to keep your job open for you so you can return after maternity leave? Not sure if this applies to agency workers too? Permanent employees have been allowed to return to work part-time after having babies so I don’t see how they cannot allow me to as well.

  • Anonymous says:

    Hi
    I am currently on maternity leave and due to return to work on the 22nd April. I work through and agency and have been at the same place of work for nearly 3 years now.
    I wrote to my employer to apply for flexible working hours so I can work part-time and they didn’t bother to write back to me, so I rang them today and they said there aren’t any positions avaialbe at the moment. Aren’t they supposed to keep your job open for you so you can return after maternity leave? Not sure if this applies to agency workers too? Permanent employees have been allowed to return to work part-time after having babies so I don’t see how they cannot allow me to as well.

  • Anonymous says:

    Hi there, I’m a bit confused and finding it very hard to find a definitive answer anywhere.
    I am 18 weeks pregnant and I’ve been working self employed since Oct 2011, I’ve paid my NI when requested to do so and completed one tax return (second should be due in the next few months).
    Am I entitled to any kind of maternity benefit? If so, where do I go, who do I need to contact in order to get the ball rolling? Is there a specific form I need to complete? Are there any other entitlments I might be eligible for whilst on maternity leave? Thank you very much in advance 🙂

    Editor: If you are self employed and have paid class 2 NI contributions you should be eligible. You can get a MA1 form from your local Jobcentre Plus or download one from the DWP website. See http://www.dwp.gov.uk/advisers/claimforms/ma1_print.pdf.

  • Anonymous says:

    Hello
    I am not returning to work after having a baby as I am going back to university to be a full-time student. I currently am receiving SMP only, but my Uni course will start before SMP should finish. I have told work I’m not returning, but not that I am starting Uni. Do I have to let them know that? Will I still be entitled to the SMP while at Uni or not? I see people are when self employed, I was wondering if this is the same?

    Editor: The fact that you are going to University shouldn’t make any difference. Once you have become eligible for SMP, you are eligible to continue to receive it for the full pay period of 39 weeks, regardless of if or why your contract ends during that time. So you don’t have to tell your employer what you’re going to do if you don’t want to. If you get a bursary for your Uni course, it isn’t treated as salary so it doesn’t impact on your SMP. 

  • Anonymous says:

    Hi, I have just told my work that I will not be returning after having a baby. She is 4 months old and my SMP was due to stop in July. As I have told them I am not coming back, am I entitled to SMP till July or will they stop it 4 weeks from now as is their notice period? No enhanced may pay, just standard. Thanks

    Editor: It will continue for the full 39 weeks unless you take up a new job, in which case it will stop the week you start the new job.

  • Anonymous says:

    Hi there, I’m a bit confused and finding it very hard to find a definitive answer anywhere.
    I am 18 weeks pregnant and I’ve been working self employed since Oct 2011, I’ve paid my NI when requested to do so and completed one tax return (second should be due in the next few months).
    Am I entitled to any kind of maternity benefit? If so, where do I go, who do I need to contact in order to get the ball rolling? Is there a specific form I need to complete? Are there any other entitlments I might be eligible for whilst on maternity leave? Thank you very much in advance 🙂

    Editor: If you are self employed and have paid class 2 NI contributions you should be eligible. You can get a MA1 form from your local Jobcentre Plus or download one from the DWP website. See http://www.dwp.gov.uk/advisers/claimforms/ma1_print.pdf.

  • Anonymous says:

    Hello
    I am not returning to work after having a baby as I am going back to university to be a full-time student. I currently am receiving SMP only, but my Uni course will start before SMP should finish. I have told work I’m not returning, but not that I am starting Uni. Do I have to let them know that? Will I still be entitled to the SMP while at Uni or not? I see people are when self employed, I was wondering if this is the same?

    Editor: The fact that you are going to University shouldn’t make any difference. Once you have become eligible for SMP, you are eligible to continue to receive it for the full pay period of 39 weeks, regardless of if or why your contract ends during that time. So you don’t have to tell your employer what you’re going to do if you don’t want to. If you get a bursary for your Uni course, it isn’t treated as salary so it doesn’t impact on your SMP. 

  • Anonymous says:

    Hi, I have just told my work that I will not be returning after having a baby. She is 4 months old and my SMP was due to stop in July. As I have told them I am not coming back, am I entitled to SMP till July or will they stop it 4 weeks from now as is their notice period? No enhanced may pay, just standard. Thanks

    Editor: It will continue for the full 39 weeks unless you take up a new job, in which case it will stop the week you start the new job.

  • Anonymous says:

    Hi there, I’m a bit confused and finding it very hard to find a definitive answer anywhere.
    I am 18 weeks pregnant and I’ve been working self employed since Oct 2011, I’ve paid my NI when requested to do so and completed one tax return (second should be due in the next few months).
    Am I entitled to any kind of maternity benefit? If so, where do I go, who do I need to contact in order to get the ball rolling? Is there a specific form I need to complete? Are there any other entitlments I might be eligible for whilst on maternity leave? Thank you very much in advance 🙂

    Editor: If you are self employed and have paid class 2 NI contributions you should be eligible. You can get a MA1 form from your local Jobcentre Plus or download one from the DWP website. See http://www.dwp.gov.uk/advisers/claimforms/ma1_print.pdf.

  • Anonymous says:

    Hello
    I am not returning to work after having a baby as I am going back to university to be a full-time student. I currently am receiving SMP only, but my Uni course will start before SMP should finish. I have told work I’m not returning, but not that I am starting Uni. Do I have to let them know that? Will I still be entitled to the SMP while at Uni or not? I see people are when self employed, I was wondering if this is the same?

    Editor: The fact that you are going to University shouldn’t make any difference. Once you have become eligible for SMP, you are eligible to continue to receive it for the full pay period of 39 weeks, regardless of if or why your contract ends during that time. So you don’t have to tell your employer what you’re going to do if you don’t want to. If you get a bursary for your Uni course, it isn’t treated as salary so it doesn’t impact on your SMP. 

  • Anonymous says:

    Hi, I have just told my work that I will not be returning after having a baby. She is 4 months old and my SMP was due to stop in July. As I have told them I am not coming back, am I entitled to SMP till July or will they stop it 4 weeks from now as is their notice period? No enhanced may pay, just standard. Thanks

    Editor: It will continue for the full 39 weeks unless you take up a new job, in which case it will stop the week you start the new job.

  • Anonymous says:

    Hi I have worked for my company for over 5 years and have been made redundant at 18 weeks pregnant. Do you know if I will be entitled to maternaty allowance or not?

    Thanks

    Editor: You should be entitled if you have satisfied the eligibility criteria ie you have been employed for at least 26 weeks in the 66 week test period before your baby is due and you must have been earning an average of at least £30 in any 13-week period during the test period. See http://www.dwp.gov.uk/publications/specialist-guides/technical-guidance/ni17a-a-guide-to-maternity/maternity-allowance-ma/

  • Anonymous says:

    Hi I have worked for my company for over 5 years and have been made redundant at 18 weeks pregnant. Do you know if I will be entitled to maternaty allowance or not?

    Thanks

    Editor: You should be entitled if you have satisfied the eligibility criteria ie you have been employed for at least 26 weeks in the 66 week test period before your baby is due and you must have been earning an average of at least £30 in any 13-week period during the test period. See http://www.dwp.gov.uk/publications/specialist-guides/technical-guidance/ni17a-a-guide-to-maternity/maternity-allowance-ma/

  • Anonymous says:

    Hi I have worked for my company for over 5 years and have been made redundant at 18 weeks pregnant. Do you know if I will be entitled to maternaty allowance or not?

    Thanks

    Editor: You should be entitled if you have satisfied the eligibility criteria ie you have been employed for at least 26 weeks in the 66 week test period before your baby is due and you must have been earning an average of at least £30 in any 13-week period during the test period. See http://www.dwp.gov.uk/publications/specialist-guides/technical-guidance/ni17a-a-guide-to-maternity/maternity-allowance-ma/

  • Anonymous says:

    Hi - If I handed in my notice whilst on maternity leave but still receive SMP am I classed as working or not by tax credits?

    Editor: You need to let HMRC know of any change in circumstance, including termination of employment. See http://www.hmrc.gov.uk/taxcredits/keep-up-to-date/changes-affect/how-when-report.htm#4

  • Anonymous says:

    Hi - If I handed in my notice whilst on maternity leave but still receive SMP am I classed as working or not by tax credits?

    Editor: You need to let HMRC know of any change in circumstance, including termination of employment. See http://www.hmrc.gov.uk/taxcredits/keep-up-to-date/changes-affect/how-when-report.htm#4

  • Anonymous says:

    Hi - If I handed in my notice whilst on maternity leave but still receive SMP am I classed as working or not by tax credits?

    Editor: You need to let HMRC know of any change in circumstance, including termination of employment. See http://www.hmrc.gov.uk/taxcredits/keep-up-to-date/changes-affect/how-when-report.htm#4

  • Anonymous says:

    Hi
    I am employed Full time from my first employer and am looking into doing some self employed work. however would i be able to claim SMP from my employer and continue to do the self employed work during maternity or would the self employed work mess up my SMP?
    I am not yet pregnant but am trying to work out if this is possible.

  • Anonymous says:

    Hi
    I am employed Full time from my first employer and am looking into doing some self employed work. however would i be able to claim SMP from my employer and continue to do the self employed work during maternity or would the self employed work mess up my SMP?
    I am not yet pregnant but am trying to work out if this is possible.

  • Anonymous says:

    Hi
    I am employed Full time from my first employer and am looking into doing some self employed work. however would i be able to claim SMP from my employer and continue to do the self employed work during maternity or would the self employed work mess up my SMP?
    I am not yet pregnant but am trying to work out if this is possible.

  • Anonymous says:

    I am currently doing a contract for 4 months and the contract will extend for 1 more month. Before I was working with a company for 2 months and haven’t paid NI as my income was below the minimum NI band. Currently I am pregnant for 6 weeks. Will my 2 previous employers add to my maternity pay? Am I eligible for maternity pay after the contract? Or we need to work for the same employer for long to claim the maternity allowance?

    Editor: See eligibility rules for maternity allowance which apply if you are not eligible for SMP.

  • Anonymous says:

    I am currently doing a contract for 4 months and the contract will extend for 1 more month. Before I was working with a company for 2 months and haven’t paid NI as my income was below the minimum NI band. Currently I am pregnant for 6 weeks. Will my 2 previous employers add to my maternity pay? Am I eligible for maternity pay after the contract? Or we need to work for the same employer for long to claim the maternity allowance?

    Editor: See eligibility rules for maternity allowance which apply if you are not eligible for SMP.

  • Anonymous says:

    I am currently doing a contract for 4 months and the contract will extend for 1 more month. Before I was working with a company for 2 months and haven’t paid NI as my income was below the minimum NI band. Currently I am pregnant for 6 weeks. Will my 2 previous employers add to my maternity pay? Am I eligible for maternity pay after the contract? Or we need to work for the same employer for long to claim the maternity allowance?

    Editor: See eligibility rules for maternity allowance which apply if you are not eligible for SMP.

  • Anonymous says:

    Hi, I am on maternity leave that covers 2 company holiday years. Am I right in thinking that if I don’t go back to work I am entitled to ALL bank holidays at full pay during this period or would it be just the bank holidays in the new year. I know I am entitled to any contracted accrued holiday which is 20 days per year plus bank holidays.

    Editor: You would need to check your contract to see whether you can carry holiday over from one financial year to another. You should be entitled to any holiday pay accrued up to the time of your resignation.

  • Anonymous says:

    NHS cleaner again! so if I go back to work in May but start it off with two weeks holiday and then work will I be able to get both SMP and OML again? Many thanks.

    Editor: That should be fine if it covers the eight-week period. SMP is based on average earnings over that eight-week period. See http://www.dwp.gov.uk/publications/specialist-guides/technical-guidance/ni17a-a-guide-to-maternity/statutory-maternity-pay-smp/eligibility/ . Your SMP payments for the maternity leave you are now on will stop the week you return to work.

  • Anonymous says:

    Hi, I currently work as part of a contract team for a company on a temporary contract with a view to hopefully move to a permanent contract in September. My partner and I are hoping to start IVF in the spring and I was wondering would I be eligible for maternity pay? Would my temporary contract count or not?

    Editor: You should be entitled to maternity leave and pay in the same way that regular employees are, but it depends on what your status is. Are you classed as an employee of the company? The first place to start to determine whether or not you are an employee with full employment rights is the contract that is in place between the organisation and yourself and to see what it says in that contract about your employment status. There are also other factors which would be considered to decide if you are an employee, for example, are you under a duty to follow the reasonable instructions of the institution, are you provided with the necessary equipment so that you can carry out your job, do you have set contractual hours, are you paid under the PAYE system with the institution deducting income tax, do you receive holiday pay? If the answer to these questions is yes, this assists to demonstrate that you are an employee. 

  • Anonymous says:

    Hi, I have worked for the NHS as a cleaner for 2 years in July…. I have been on maternity leave since October 2012 and am due to go back middle of July 2013 but have since found out I’m 1 month pregnant and due to go back on maternity leave in October 2013. Will I be entitiled to my full amount of maternity leave again? This pregnancy was in no way planned - I’m so shocked I don’t know what to do!

    Editor: You will definitely be entitled to maternity leave, but in terms of maternity pay your pay will be calculated on the eight weeks before your 26th week of pregnancy so it may be a good idea to back to work sooner than July. Otherwise you may find yourself only entitled to Maternity Allowance if you got SMP this time round.

  • Anonymous says:

    Hi, I am on maternity leave that covers 2 company holiday years. Am I right in thinking that if I don’t go back to work I am entitled to ALL bank holidays at full pay during this period or would it be just the bank holidays in the new year. I know I am entitled to any contracted accrued holiday which is 20 days per year plus bank holidays.

    Editor: You would need to check your contract to see whether you can carry holiday over from one financial year to another. You should be entitled to any holiday pay accrued up to the time of your resignation.

  • Anonymous says:

    NHS cleaner again! so if I go back to work in May but start it off with two weeks holiday and then work will I be able to get both SMP and OML again? Many thanks.

    Editor: That should be fine if it covers the eight-week period. SMP is based on average earnings over that eight-week period. See http://www.dwp.gov.uk/publications/specialist-guides/technical-guidance/ni17a-a-guide-to-maternity/statutory-maternity-pay-smp/eligibility/ . Your SMP payments for the maternity leave you are now on will stop the week you return to work.

  • Anonymous says:

    Hi, I currently work as part of a contract team for a company on a temporary contract with a view to hopefully move to a permanent contract in September. My partner and I are hoping to start IVF in the spring and I was wondering would I be eligible for maternity pay? Would my temporary contract count or not?

    Editor: You should be entitled to maternity leave and pay in the same way that regular employees are, but it depends on what your status is. Are you classed as an employee of the company? The first place to start to determine whether or not you are an employee with full employment rights is the contract that is in place between the organisation and yourself and to see what it says in that contract about your employment status. There are also other factors which would be considered to decide if you are an employee, for example, are you under a duty to follow the reasonable instructions of the institution, are you provided with the necessary equipment so that you can carry out your job, do you have set contractual hours, are you paid under the PAYE system with the institution deducting income tax, do you receive holiday pay? If the answer to these questions is yes, this assists to demonstrate that you are an employee. 

  • Anonymous says:

    Hi, I have worked for the NHS as a cleaner for 2 years in July…. I have been on maternity leave since October 2012 and am due to go back middle of July 2013 but have since found out I’m 1 month pregnant and due to go back on maternity leave in October 2013. Will I be entitiled to my full amount of maternity leave again? This pregnancy was in no way planned - I’m so shocked I don’t know what to do!

    Editor: You will definitely be entitled to maternity leave, but in terms of maternity pay your pay will be calculated on the eight weeks before your 26th week of pregnancy so it may be a good idea to back to work sooner than July. Otherwise you may find yourself only entitled to Maternity Allowance if you got SMP this time round.

  • Anonymous says:

    Hi, I am on maternity leave that covers 2 company holiday years. Am I right in thinking that if I don’t go back to work I am entitled to ALL bank holidays at full pay during this period or would it be just the bank holidays in the new year. I know I am entitled to any contracted accrued holiday which is 20 days per year plus bank holidays.

    Editor: You would need to check your contract to see whether you can carry holiday over from one financial year to another. You should be entitled to any holiday pay accrued up to the time of your resignation.

  • Anonymous says:

    NHS cleaner again! so if I go back to work in May but start it off with two weeks holiday and then work will I be able to get both SMP and OML again? Many thanks.

    Editor: That should be fine if it covers the eight-week period. SMP is based on average earnings over that eight-week period. See http://www.dwp.gov.uk/publications/specialist-guides/technical-guidance/ni17a-a-guide-to-maternity/statutory-maternity-pay-smp/eligibility/ . Your SMP payments for the maternity leave you are now on will stop the week you return to work.

  • Anonymous says:

    Hi, I currently work as part of a contract team for a company on a temporary contract with a view to hopefully move to a permanent contract in September. My partner and I are hoping to start IVF in the spring and I was wondering would I be eligible for maternity pay? Would my temporary contract count or not?

    Editor: You should be entitled to maternity leave and pay in the same way that regular employees are, but it depends on what your status is. Are you classed as an employee of the company? The first place to start to determine whether or not you are an employee with full employment rights is the contract that is in place between the organisation and yourself and to see what it says in that contract about your employment status. There are also other factors which would be considered to decide if you are an employee, for example, are you under a duty to follow the reasonable instructions of the institution, are you provided with the necessary equipment so that you can carry out your job, do you have set contractual hours, are you paid under the PAYE system with the institution deducting income tax, do you receive holiday pay? If the answer to these questions is yes, this assists to demonstrate that you are an employee. 

  • Anonymous says:

    Hi, I have worked for the NHS as a cleaner for 2 years in July…. I have been on maternity leave since October 2012 and am due to go back middle of July 2013 but have since found out I’m 1 month pregnant and due to go back on maternity leave in October 2013. Will I be entitiled to my full amount of maternity leave again? This pregnancy was in no way planned - I’m so shocked I don’t know what to do!

    Editor: You will definitely be entitled to maternity leave, but in terms of maternity pay your pay will be calculated on the eight weeks before your 26th week of pregnancy so it may be a good idea to back to work sooner than July. Otherwise you may find yourself only entitled to Maternity Allowance if you got SMP this time round.

  • Anonymous says:

    Hi, I am on mat leave, and statutory maternity pay wil run until the end of June. However, I want to go back to work early on 2nd April. Will I be able to receive SMP from April to the end of June in additon to my pay when I go back to work?

  • Anonymous says:

    Hi, I am on mat leave, and statutory maternity pay wil run until the end of June. However, I want to go back to work early on 2nd April. Will I be able to receive SMP from April to the end of June in additon to my pay when I go back to work?

  • Anonymous says:

    Hi, I am on mat leave, and statutory maternity pay wil run until the end of June. However, I want to go back to work early on 2nd April. Will I be able to receive SMP from April to the end of June in additon to my pay when I go back to work?

  • Anonymous says:

    Hi, I currently recieve SMP. If I don’t go back and hand in my notice after the 39 paid weeks am I entitled to my 4 weeks notice at full pay?

    Editor: Where an employee who resigns while on maternity leave would be contractually entitled to at least one week more notice than the statutory minimum (which is one week for employees with continuous service of one month or more) from her employer, she will be entitled only to maternity pay during her notice period, unless her maternity pay period has already expired, in which case she will not receive any pay. 

  • Anonymous says:

    Hi, I am currently on maternity leave and was wondering what I would be entitled to if I decide not to return to work? Would I be entitled to full pay during my notice period and my normal pay for any accrued holiday?
    Many thanks.

    Editor: You do not say whether you have enhanced maternity pay. If you are on SMP you will be entitled to all of this up until the week you start a new job. If you are on enhanced maternity pay you need to check your contract as you may have to pay this back if you do not return. With regard to holiday, you have the same rights to holiday on maternity leave as you would have if you were at work. Just check that your contract allows for accrued holiday to be carried over from one year to the next if you have been off over two financial years.

  • Anonymous says:

    Hi, I currently recieve SMP. If I don’t go back and hand in my notice after the 39 paid weeks am I entitled to my 4 weeks notice at full pay?

    Editor: Where an employee who resigns while on maternity leave would be contractually entitled to at least one week more notice than the statutory minimum (which is one week for employees with continuous service of one month or more) from her employer, she will be entitled only to maternity pay during her notice period, unless her maternity pay period has already expired, in which case she will not receive any pay. 

  • Anonymous says:

    Hi, I am currently on maternity leave and was wondering what I would be entitled to if I decide not to return to work? Would I be entitled to full pay during my notice period and my normal pay for any accrued holiday?
    Many thanks.

    Editor: You do not say whether you have enhanced maternity pay. If you are on SMP you will be entitled to all of this up until the week you start a new job. If you are on enhanced maternity pay you need to check your contract as you may have to pay this back if you do not return. With regard to holiday, you have the same rights to holiday on maternity leave as you would have if you were at work. Just check that your contract allows for accrued holiday to be carried over from one year to the next if you have been off over two financial years.

  • Anonymous says:

    Hi, I currently recieve SMP. If I don’t go back and hand in my notice after the 39 paid weeks am I entitled to my 4 weeks notice at full pay?

    Editor: Where an employee who resigns while on maternity leave would be contractually entitled to at least one week more notice than the statutory minimum (which is one week for employees with continuous service of one month or more) from her employer, she will be entitled only to maternity pay during her notice period, unless her maternity pay period has already expired, in which case she will not receive any pay. 

  • Anonymous says:

    Hi, I am currently on maternity leave and was wondering what I would be entitled to if I decide not to return to work? Would I be entitled to full pay during my notice period and my normal pay for any accrued holiday?
    Many thanks.

    Editor: You do not say whether you have enhanced maternity pay. If you are on SMP you will be entitled to all of this up until the week you start a new job. If you are on enhanced maternity pay you need to check your contract as you may have to pay this back if you do not return. With regard to holiday, you have the same rights to holiday on maternity leave as you would have if you were at work. Just check that your contract allows for accrued holiday to be carried over from one year to the next if you have been off over two financial years.

  • Anonymous says:

    Hi, i work part time (employed) and am also self employed (registered, pay class 2 NI) I have not been working long enough for SMP at my employment, so I am claiming only Maternity Allowance-which is more based on my self employed status. My question is: I am entitled to go on Maternity Leave and get paid MA from 11 weeks before the baby. I am stopping the self employed work, but want to carry on the employed work till the baby. Seeing as I am getting the MA on the self employed basis, can I claim from 11 weeks before, if I am still working at my part time employment?
    Many thanks

  • Anonymous says:

    Hi, i work part time (employed) and am also self employed (registered, pay class 2 NI) I have not been working long enough for SMP at my employment, so I am claiming only Maternity Allowance-which is more based on my self employed status. My question is: I am entitled to go on Maternity Leave and get paid MA from 11 weeks before the baby. I am stopping the self employed work, but want to carry on the employed work till the baby. Seeing as I am getting the MA on the self employed basis, can I claim from 11 weeks before, if I am still working at my part time employment?
    Many thanks

  • Anonymous says:

    Hi, i work part time (employed) and am also self employed (registered, pay class 2 NI) I have not been working long enough for SMP at my employment, so I am claiming only Maternity Allowance-which is more based on my self employed status. My question is: I am entitled to go on Maternity Leave and get paid MA from 11 weeks before the baby. I am stopping the self employed work, but want to carry on the employed work till the baby. Seeing as I am getting the MA on the self employed basis, can I claim from 11 weeks before, if I am still working at my part time employment?
    Many thanks

  • Anonymous says:

    I work for a company where the first 3 months is on full pay then 27 weeks standard …but my fiancé had hyperemesis till week 19. She had holiday on week 18, but I hear it’s calculated week 18-25 ..so that one week where she got SSP which is less than £107 week would she not qualify for full maternty pay or is it calculated over whole 8 weeks and they take the average.

    Editor: It is calculated as an average of the whole eight weeks.

  • Anonymous says:

    I work for a company where the first 3 months is on full pay then 27 weeks standard …but my fiancé had hyperemesis till week 19. She had holiday on week 18, but I hear it’s calculated week 18-25 ..so that one week where she got SSP which is less than £107 week would she not qualify for full maternty pay or is it calculated over whole 8 weeks and they take the average.

    Editor: It is calculated as an average of the whole eight weeks.

  • Anonymous says:

    I work for a company where the first 3 months is on full pay then 27 weeks standard …but my fiancé had hyperemesis till week 19. She had holiday on week 18, but I hear it’s calculated week 18-25 ..so that one week where she got SSP which is less than £107 week would she not qualify for full maternty pay or is it calculated over whole 8 weeks and they take the average.

    Editor: It is calculated as an average of the whole eight weeks.

  • Anonymous says:

    Hi, I am currently on maternity leave and discovered that my employer had stopped paying at 27weeks, what should I do as I understand that maternity pay is for 39 weeks.

    Editor: SMP is for 39 weeks. Six weeks at 90% of pay and the rest at £135.45 a week. If you have any difficulty in getting payment from your employer, phone the HM Revenue & Customs Statutory Payments Disputes Team on 0191 225 5221.

  • Anonymous says:

    Hi, I am currently on maternity leave and discovered that my employer had stopped paying at 27weeks, what should I do as I understand that maternity pay is for 39 weeks.

    Editor: SMP is for 39 weeks. Six weeks at 90% of pay and the rest at £135.45 a week. If you have any difficulty in getting payment from your employer, phone the HM Revenue & Customs Statutory Payments Disputes Team on 0191 225 5221.

  • Anonymous says:

    Hi, I am currently on maternity leave and discovered that my employer had stopped paying at 27weeks, what should I do as I understand that maternity pay is for 39 weeks.

    Editor: SMP is for 39 weeks. Six weeks at 90% of pay and the rest at £135.45 a week. If you have any difficulty in getting payment from your employer, phone the HM Revenue & Customs Statutory Payments Disputes Team on 0191 225 5221.

  • Anonymous says:

    Hi, if I choose to take additional maternity leave (after 26 weeks) will my employer still have to pay me smp for the 39 weeks? I have worked in this employment for 4 years.

  • Anonymous says:

    Hi, if I choose to take additional maternity leave (after 26 weeks) will my employer still have to pay me smp for the 39 weeks? I have worked in this employment for 4 years.

  • Anonymous says:

    Hi, if I choose to take additional maternity leave (after 26 weeks) will my employer still have to pay me smp for the 39 weeks? I have worked in this employment for 4 years.

  • Anonymous says:

    Hi I am currently on maternity leave and I’m due to return to work in May. I have worked for the company for 4 yrs. My husband I would like to try for another baby as soon as I go back to work. If I do fall pregnant as soon as I go back would I be entitled to additional company pay and smp as with my 1st pregnancy?

    Editor: On maternity leave you are still an employee so you would qualify for SMP if you did the first time round. You’d have to check your contract on enhanced pay.

  • Anonymous says:

    Hi, I’m newly self employed (registered January 11th 2013). Before this I worked for a company for 3 years (leaving date 15th dec 2012). I’m slightly confused as to whether I will be entitled to maternity allowance and if I am will I have to inform HMRC once I start to claim this as I will no longer be earning? Any advice or help would be much appreciated as I am so confused. Thank you.

    Editor: Women who are not entitled to Statutory Maternity Pay from their employer, or are self-employed, may be able to receive Maternity Allowance. This is usually paid for 26 weeks. The earliest payment can start is 11 weeks before the baby is due. To get this benefit you must have been employed or self-employed for at least 26 weeks in the 66 week period ending with the week before your expected week of confinement. In addition, your earnings on average must be at least equal to the Maternity Allowance Threshold of £30.00 a week. Contributions must be paid, at the latest, before the end of the second tax year after the year in which they were due. If you are not sure whether you have paid enough contributions, contact your nearest Jobcentre Plus. Maternity Allowance can be claimed through your Jobcentre Plus who will be able to advise further. 

  • Anonymous says:

    Hi I am currently on maternity leave and I’m due to return to work in May. I have worked for the company for 4 yrs. My husband I would like to try for another baby as soon as I go back to work. If I do fall pregnant as soon as I go back would I be entitled to additional company pay and smp as with my 1st pregnancy?

    Editor: On maternity leave you are still an employee so you would qualify for SMP if you did the first time round. You’d have to check your contract on enhanced pay.

  • Anonymous says:

    Hi, I’m newly self employed (registered January 11th 2013). Before this I worked for a company for 3 years (leaving date 15th dec 2012). I’m slightly confused as to whether I will be entitled to maternity allowance and if I am will I have to inform HMRC once I start to claim this as I will no longer be earning? Any advice or help would be much appreciated as I am so confused. Thank you.

    Editor: Women who are not entitled to Statutory Maternity Pay from their employer, or are self-employed, may be able to receive Maternity Allowance. This is usually paid for 26 weeks. The earliest payment can start is 11 weeks before the baby is due. To get this benefit you must have been employed or self-employed for at least 26 weeks in the 66 week period ending with the week before your expected week of confinement. In addition, your earnings on average must be at least equal to the Maternity Allowance Threshold of £30.00 a week. Contributions must be paid, at the latest, before the end of the second tax year after the year in which they were due. If you are not sure whether you have paid enough contributions, contact your nearest Jobcentre Plus. Maternity Allowance can be claimed through your Jobcentre Plus who will be able to advise further. 

  • Anonymous says:

    Hi I am currently on maternity leave and I’m due to return to work in May. I have worked for the company for 4 yrs. My husband I would like to try for another baby as soon as I go back to work. If I do fall pregnant as soon as I go back would I be entitled to additional company pay and smp as with my 1st pregnancy?

    Editor: On maternity leave you are still an employee so you would qualify for SMP if you did the first time round. You’d have to check your contract on enhanced pay.

  • Anonymous says:

    Hi, I’m newly self employed (registered January 11th 2013). Before this I worked for a company for 3 years (leaving date 15th dec 2012). I’m slightly confused as to whether I will be entitled to maternity allowance and if I am will I have to inform HMRC once I start to claim this as I will no longer be earning? Any advice or help would be much appreciated as I am so confused. Thank you.

    Editor: Women who are not entitled to Statutory Maternity Pay from their employer, or are self-employed, may be able to receive Maternity Allowance. This is usually paid for 26 weeks. The earliest payment can start is 11 weeks before the baby is due. To get this benefit you must have been employed or self-employed for at least 26 weeks in the 66 week period ending with the week before your expected week of confinement. In addition, your earnings on average must be at least equal to the Maternity Allowance Threshold of £30.00 a week. Contributions must be paid, at the latest, before the end of the second tax year after the year in which they were due. If you are not sure whether you have paid enough contributions, contact your nearest Jobcentre Plus. Maternity Allowance can be claimed through your Jobcentre Plus who will be able to advise further. 

  • Anonymous says:

    Hi, I have an employee who is due at the end of April. Currently she is allocated 25 days holiday per annum. Please advise how the holiday entitlement is calculated over the maternity period? Regards

    Editor: Your employee accrues her normal holiday entitlement while on maternity leave.

  • Anonymous says:

    Hi, I have an employee who is due at the end of April. Currently she is allocated 25 days holiday per annum. Please advise how the holiday entitlement is calculated over the maternity period? Regards

    Editor: Your employee accrues her normal holiday entitlement while on maternity leave.

  • Anonymous says:

    Hi, I have an employee who is due at the end of April. Currently she is allocated 25 days holiday per annum. Please advise how the holiday entitlement is calculated over the maternity period? Regards

    Editor: Your employee accrues her normal holiday entitlement while on maternity leave.

  • Anonymous says:

    Hi, I have two part-time jobs but would I be able to go on maternity leave earlier with one job and continue working for another a bit longer?

  • Anonymous says:

    Hi, I have two part-time jobs but would I be able to go on maternity leave earlier with one job and continue working for another a bit longer?

  • Anonymous says:

    Hi, I have two part-time jobs but would I be able to go on maternity leave earlier with one job and continue working for another a bit longer?

  • Anonymous says:

    I have been dismissed at work and I’m 20 weeks pregnant and I have worked for the company for 7 months and I can’t work anymore. Do I qualify for maternity allowance?

    Editor: see http://www.dwp.gov.uk/publications/specialist-guides/technical-guidance/ni17a-a-guide-to-maternity/maternity-allowance-ma/ 

  • Anonymous says:

    I have been dismissed at work and I’m 20 weeks pregnant and I have worked for the company for 7 months and I can’t work anymore. Do I qualify for maternity allowance?

    Editor: see http://www.dwp.gov.uk/publications/specialist-guides/technical-guidance/ni17a-a-guide-to-maternity/maternity-allowance-ma/ 

  • Anonymous says:

    I have been dismissed at work and I’m 20 weeks pregnant and I have worked for the company for 7 months and I can’t work anymore. Do I qualify for maternity allowance?

    Editor: see http://www.dwp.gov.uk/publications/specialist-guides/technical-guidance/ni17a-a-guide-to-maternity/maternity-allowance-ma/ 

  • Anonymous says:

    I am on maternity leave at the min and my 39 weeks will be up soon. If I take up to 52 weeks do i get any pay off anyone?

    Editor: I’m afraid SMP only lasts for 39 weeks and the rest of the 52 weeks is unpaid.

  • Anonymous says:

    I am on maternity leave at the min and my 39 weeks will be up soon. If I take up to 52 weeks do i get any pay off anyone?

    Editor: I’m afraid SMP only lasts for 39 weeks and the rest of the 52 weeks is unpaid.

  • Anonymous says:

    I am on maternity leave at the min and my 39 weeks will be up soon. If I take up to 52 weeks do i get any pay off anyone?

    Editor: I’m afraid SMP only lasts for 39 weeks and the rest of the 52 weeks is unpaid.

  • Anonymous says:

    I am currently on maternity leave, however from the 11th march 2013 i shall be on smp only which is going to be quite a struggle. My employer has told me that I can take 10 ‘kit’ days to ease myself back into work so I thought that would help to delay my return to work, but they have told me i have to take them before the the 11th of march. why is this when i don’t officially have to return back to work until november? Can I work 1 day a week whilst still receiving smp

  • Anonymous says:

    I am currently on maternity leave and wishing to return back to work part time. Unfortunately they are unable to accommodate me on this. Is it impossible for me to return part time on the grounds that my employer has refused my request? What is the next step?

    Editor: You would need to supply more details. Has your employer rejected your request in writing and what reasons have they given? There are only a few grounds on which a request can be rejected and these must be reasonable. If not, you can appeal. Flexible working legislation, however, only grants you a right to request and your employer can turn this down on these grounds so it is a good idea to have a back-up proposal and to be prepared to negotiate.

  • Anonymous says:

    I currently am on maternity leave, but on maternity allowance as I don’t earn enough for SMP. I’m due to go back in May, but have found out I’m pregnant. Where do I stand with maternity allowance? I’m willing to go back to work till the new baby is due.  We just can’t afford for me not to be bringing in anything when I have to go on maternity again. Thanks

    Editor: You can claim Maternity Allowance again as long as you fulfil the eligibility criteria. While you are on maternity leave you are still treated as an employee, but you need to be earning over £30 a week during the qualifying period – eight weeks leading up to the 26th week of pregnancy so it is a good idea to return to work by this time. 

  • Anonymous says:

    I am currently on maternity leave, however from the 11th march 2013 i shall be on smp only which is going to be quite a struggle. My employer has told me that I can take 10 ‘kit’ days to ease myself back into work so I thought that would help to delay my return to work, but they have told me i have to take them before the the 11th of march. why is this when i don’t officially have to return back to work until november? Can I work 1 day a week whilst still receiving smp

  • Anonymous says:

    I am currently on maternity leave and wishing to return back to work part time. Unfortunately they are unable to accommodate me on this. Is it impossible for me to return part time on the grounds that my employer has refused my request? What is the next step?

    Editor: You would need to supply more details. Has your employer rejected your request in writing and what reasons have they given? There are only a few grounds on which a request can be rejected and these must be reasonable. If not, you can appeal. Flexible working legislation, however, only grants you a right to request and your employer can turn this down on these grounds so it is a good idea to have a back-up proposal and to be prepared to negotiate.

  • Anonymous says:

    I currently am on maternity leave, but on maternity allowance as I don’t earn enough for SMP. I’m due to go back in May, but have found out I’m pregnant. Where do I stand with maternity allowance? I’m willing to go back to work till the new baby is due.  We just can’t afford for me not to be bringing in anything when I have to go on maternity again. Thanks

    Editor: You can claim Maternity Allowance again as long as you fulfil the eligibility criteria. While you are on maternity leave you are still treated as an employee, but you need to be earning over £30 a week during the qualifying period – eight weeks leading up to the 26th week of pregnancy so it is a good idea to return to work by this time. 

  • Anonymous says:

    I am currently on maternity leave, however from the 11th march 2013 i shall be on smp only which is going to be quite a struggle. My employer has told me that I can take 10 ‘kit’ days to ease myself back into work so I thought that would help to delay my return to work, but they have told me i have to take them before the the 11th of march. why is this when i don’t officially have to return back to work until november? Can I work 1 day a week whilst still receiving smp

  • Anonymous says:

    I am currently on maternity leave and wishing to return back to work part time. Unfortunately they are unable to accommodate me on this. Is it impossible for me to return part time on the grounds that my employer has refused my request? What is the next step?

    Editor: You would need to supply more details. Has your employer rejected your request in writing and what reasons have they given? There are only a few grounds on which a request can be rejected and these must be reasonable. If not, you can appeal. Flexible working legislation, however, only grants you a right to request and your employer can turn this down on these grounds so it is a good idea to have a back-up proposal and to be prepared to negotiate.

  • Anonymous says:

    I currently am on maternity leave, but on maternity allowance as I don’t earn enough for SMP. I’m due to go back in May, but have found out I’m pregnant. Where do I stand with maternity allowance? I’m willing to go back to work till the new baby is due.  We just can’t afford for me not to be bringing in anything when I have to go on maternity again. Thanks

    Editor: You can claim Maternity Allowance again as long as you fulfil the eligibility criteria. While you are on maternity leave you are still treated as an employee, but you need to be earning over £30 a week during the qualifying period – eight weeks leading up to the 26th week of pregnancy so it is a good idea to return to work by this time. 

  • Anonymous says:

    I am returning to work after eight months maternity pay. What holiday hours am I entitled to for the year when returning. Do you build up holiday hours when you are on maternity leave?

    Editor: You build up the same holiday as you would if you were at work, but if your company doesn’t carry holiday over from one year to another you may lose holiday that was built up last year.

  • Anonymous says:

    I am returning to work after eight months maternity pay. What holiday hours am I entitled to for the year when returning. Do you build up holiday hours when you are on maternity leave?

    Editor: You build up the same holiday as you would if you were at work, but if your company doesn’t carry holiday over from one year to another you may lose holiday that was built up last year.

  • Anonymous says:

    I am returning to work after eight months maternity pay. What holiday hours am I entitled to for the year when returning. Do you build up holiday hours when you are on maternity leave?

    Editor: You build up the same holiday as you would if you were at work, but if your company doesn’t carry holiday over from one year to another you may lose holiday that was built up last year.

  • Anonymous says:

    I have 2 jobs (one FT, one PT evenings) and I believe I will qualify for SMP for both – they are not linked jobs at all but completely separate companies. I wish to take about 3 months leave from both jobs, but at slightly staggered times. Is this possible & by returning to job 1 (FT) before the other do I effectively cancel out my SMP payments for job 2?

    Editor: Yes, you can claim SMP from more than one job providing you satisfy the qualifying conditions for each job. You can start your maternity leave and/or SMP at different times for each job. You can also work for up to ten ‘Keeping in Touch’ days for each employer, at different times and keep your SMP from your other employer. 

  • Anonymous says:

    Hi, I became pregnant 2 weeks into a temporary to permanent role. I have been offered a permanent contract and am now 9 weeks pregnant. Will my continuous employment in the same job at same place of work entitle me to Statutory Maternity Pay or Maternity Allowance? Technically I worked for the agency for the first 12 weeks and then for the end employer. My end employers’ contract says I can get SMP if I have been employed for 26 weeks prior to the 15th week of birth. Technically I was on the temporary part of the assignment and employed by the agency then. 

    Editor: Was your temporary contract with the employer you are with now or were you paid via the agency?

  • Anonymous says:

    I have 2 jobs (one FT, one PT evenings) and I believe I will qualify for SMP for both – they are not linked jobs at all but completely separate companies. I wish to take about 3 months leave from both jobs, but at slightly staggered times. Is this possible & by returning to job 1 (FT) before the other do I effectively cancel out my SMP payments for job 2?

    Editor: Yes, you can claim SMP from more than one job providing you satisfy the qualifying conditions for each job. You can start your maternity leave and/or SMP at different times for each job. You can also work for up to ten ‘Keeping in Touch’ days for each employer, at different times and keep your SMP from your other employer. 

  • Anonymous says:

    Hi, I became pregnant 2 weeks into a temporary to permanent role. I have been offered a permanent contract and am now 9 weeks pregnant. Will my continuous employment in the same job at same place of work entitle me to Statutory Maternity Pay or Maternity Allowance? Technically I worked for the agency for the first 12 weeks and then for the end employer. My end employers’ contract says I can get SMP if I have been employed for 26 weeks prior to the 15th week of birth. Technically I was on the temporary part of the assignment and employed by the agency then. 

    Editor: Was your temporary contract with the employer you are with now or were you paid via the agency?

  • Anonymous says:

    I have 2 jobs (one FT, one PT evenings) and I believe I will qualify for SMP for both – they are not linked jobs at all but completely separate companies. I wish to take about 3 months leave from both jobs, but at slightly staggered times. Is this possible & by returning to job 1 (FT) before the other do I effectively cancel out my SMP payments for job 2?

    Editor: Yes, you can claim SMP from more than one job providing you satisfy the qualifying conditions for each job. You can start your maternity leave and/or SMP at different times for each job. You can also work for up to ten ‘Keeping in Touch’ days for each employer, at different times and keep your SMP from your other employer. 

  • Anonymous says:

    Hi, I became pregnant 2 weeks into a temporary to permanent role. I have been offered a permanent contract and am now 9 weeks pregnant. Will my continuous employment in the same job at same place of work entitle me to Statutory Maternity Pay or Maternity Allowance? Technically I worked for the agency for the first 12 weeks and then for the end employer. My end employers’ contract says I can get SMP if I have been employed for 26 weeks prior to the 15th week of birth. Technically I was on the temporary part of the assignment and employed by the agency then. 

    Editor: Was your temporary contract with the employer you are with now or were you paid via the agency?

  • Anonymous says:

    Hi I am on maternity allowance and it finishes on 9/02/2013 but I have found out I am pregnant again. I am 10 weeks pregnant. I don’t have work to go back to and in the new pregnancy in the 66 weeks I haven’t worked but have been getting maternity allowance. Will I be entitled to maternity allowance again or any other benefits. Thanks

  • Anonymous says:

    Hi I am on maternity allowance and it finishes on 9/02/2013 but I have found out I am pregnant again. I am 10 weeks pregnant. I don’t have work to go back to and in the new pregnancy in the 66 weeks I haven’t worked but have been getting maternity allowance. Will I be entitled to maternity allowance again or any other benefits. Thanks

  • Anonymous says:

    Hi I am on maternity allowance and it finishes on 9/02/2013 but I have found out I am pregnant again. I am 10 weeks pregnant. I don’t have work to go back to and in the new pregnancy in the 66 weeks I haven’t worked but have been getting maternity allowance. Will I be entitled to maternity allowance again or any other benefits. Thanks

  • Anonymous says:

    Hi, am claiming job-seekers allowance at the moment as am actively looking for work. I just realised that I am pregnant. But because the job centre are contributing towards my NI, am wondering if I can claim SMP.

    Editor: I’m afraid not. To be eligible for SMP you have to have been working continuously for at least 26 weeks for an employer as well as satisfying the weekly earnings rule.

  • Anonymous says:

    I am the director of a company – I wish to pay a colleague full salary during their maternity leave but any further employees will be paid SMP….. Is this possible?

    Tara Daynes, HR expert: Although you can’t give people less than the minimum statutory entitlement, you can certainly give enhanced provisions, and many organisations pay over and above the usual SMP rates. However, the caveat is that you need to be consistent and have this as your policy for all employees (or at least all those who meet certain criteria, such as a minimum length of service) and make this clear in your maternity policy. To show favouritism to one person over everyone else is, if not always unlawful, certainly bad management practice. It is just asking for trouble – it could leave you at risk of grievances or litigation, particularly discrimination claims from other employees, or even rumours of an inappropriate relationship or misuse of company funds etc. At the very least you could do a lot of damage to your relationships with other employees and it would be hard to create a culture of trust and openness. You would really need to be able to objectively justify any decision to treat one person differently as this effectively puts everyone else at a detriment, so I would advise thinking very carefully before taking any such action. 

  • Anonymous says:

    I am empolyed part-time and am also self employed. Would I be able to claim maternity leave from my employment, but still carry on working self employed?

    Editor: Yes, you can carry on working self employed and claim maternity leave and SMP from your employer. The DWP states:  "If you do any work in a self-employed capacity during your maternity pay period, then such work will not affect your SMP”.

  • Anonymous says:

    Hi, am claiming job-seekers allowance at the moment as am actively looking for work. I just realised that I am pregnant. But because the job centre are contributing towards my NI, am wondering if I can claim SMP.

    Editor: I’m afraid not. To be eligible for SMP you have to have been working continuously for at least 26 weeks for an employer as well as satisfying the weekly earnings rule.

  • Anonymous says:

    I am the director of a company – I wish to pay a colleague full salary during their maternity leave but any further employees will be paid SMP….. Is this possible?

    Tara Daynes, HR expert: Although you can’t give people less than the minimum statutory entitlement, you can certainly give enhanced provisions, and many organisations pay over and above the usual SMP rates. However, the caveat is that you need to be consistent and have this as your policy for all employees (or at least all those who meet certain criteria, such as a minimum length of service) and make this clear in your maternity policy. To show favouritism to one person over everyone else is, if not always unlawful, certainly bad management practice. It is just asking for trouble – it could leave you at risk of grievances or litigation, particularly discrimination claims from other employees, or even rumours of an inappropriate relationship or misuse of company funds etc. At the very least you could do a lot of damage to your relationships with other employees and it would be hard to create a culture of trust and openness. You would really need to be able to objectively justify any decision to treat one person differently as this effectively puts everyone else at a detriment, so I would advise thinking very carefully before taking any such action. 

  • Anonymous says:

    I am empolyed part-time and am also self employed. Would I be able to claim maternity leave from my employment, but still carry on working self employed?

    Editor: Yes, you can carry on working self employed and claim maternity leave and SMP from your employer. The DWP states:  "If you do any work in a self-employed capacity during your maternity pay period, then such work will not affect your SMP”.

  • Anonymous says:

    Hi, am claiming job-seekers allowance at the moment as am actively looking for work. I just realised that I am pregnant. But because the job centre are contributing towards my NI, am wondering if I can claim SMP.

    Editor: I’m afraid not. To be eligible for SMP you have to have been working continuously for at least 26 weeks for an employer as well as satisfying the weekly earnings rule.

  • Anonymous says:

    I am the director of a company – I wish to pay a colleague full salary during their maternity leave but any further employees will be paid SMP….. Is this possible?

    Tara Daynes, HR expert: Although you can’t give people less than the minimum statutory entitlement, you can certainly give enhanced provisions, and many organisations pay over and above the usual SMP rates. However, the caveat is that you need to be consistent and have this as your policy for all employees (or at least all those who meet certain criteria, such as a minimum length of service) and make this clear in your maternity policy. To show favouritism to one person over everyone else is, if not always unlawful, certainly bad management practice. It is just asking for trouble – it could leave you at risk of grievances or litigation, particularly discrimination claims from other employees, or even rumours of an inappropriate relationship or misuse of company funds etc. At the very least you could do a lot of damage to your relationships with other employees and it would be hard to create a culture of trust and openness. You would really need to be able to objectively justify any decision to treat one person differently as this effectively puts everyone else at a detriment, so I would advise thinking very carefully before taking any such action. 

  • Anonymous says:

    I am empolyed part-time and am also self employed. Would I be able to claim maternity leave from my employment, but still carry on working self employed?

    Editor: Yes, you can carry on working self employed and claim maternity leave and SMP from your employer. The DWP states:  "If you do any work in a self-employed capacity during your maternity pay period, then such work will not affect your SMP”.

  • Anonymous says:

    Maternity pay ended in November. Do I need to inform tax credits about this as they already have all the information?

    Editor: Do you mean because you based your claim on being off work for longer than the 39 weeks? Have you informed them about the birth? You are only entitled to tax credits for the 39 weeks so you may have to pay them back if you are still receiving them so it is wise to update them – see https://www.gov.uk/changes-affect-tax-credits  and https://www.gov.uk/tax-credits-if-you-have-baby.

  • Anonymous says:

    Maternity pay ended in November. Do I need to inform tax credits about this as they already have all the information?

    Editor: Do you mean because you based your claim on being off work for longer than the 39 weeks? Have you informed them about the birth? You are only entitled to tax credits for the 39 weeks so you may have to pay them back if you are still receiving them so it is wise to update them – see https://www.gov.uk/changes-affect-tax-credits  and https://www.gov.uk/tax-credits-if-you-have-baby.

  • Anonymous says:

    Maternity pay ended in November. Do I need to inform tax credits about this as they already have all the information?

    Editor: Do you mean because you based your claim on being off work for longer than the 39 weeks? Have you informed them about the birth? You are only entitled to tax credits for the 39 weeks so you may have to pay them back if you are still receiving them so it is wise to update them – see https://www.gov.uk/changes-affect-tax-credits  and https://www.gov.uk/tax-credits-if-you-have-baby.

  • Anonymous says:

    My baby is due in May and I will be owed 4 weeks holiday in this holiday year (ie accrued up to Sept ’13 – then I assume the new holiday year will be accrued for when I return to work). My employer is refusing to let me take them all together at the start of my maternity (ie before my SMP kicks in) saying that I can only take a maximum of 2 weeks at that time and the other two weeks as days here and there in the coming couple of months. I find this far more disruptive to my job as I only work 3 days a week anyway so believe projects would suffer far more – I would far rather stop for maternity leave and take them all in one block. Is my employer allowed to refuse this? I can understand it if I wasn’t pregnant as a long holiday may be disruptive to the business, but it’s not a ‘holiday’ as such as it leads directly into maternity leave. If they are allowed, do they have to pay me for the holidays I cannot find time to take before I finish for mat leave?

    Editor: An employee continues to accrue annual leave during her maternity leave and the employer should apply their normal rules on taking and carrying forward annual leave.  An employee cannot take paid annual leave during her maternity leave and then resume her maternity leave but she can end her maternity leave early, if she gives the correct notice, and take the time off on paid annual leave. The law is currently unclear about what happens if a woman is unable to take all her annual leave in the relevant period because of her maternity leave, but a recent  House of Lords decision means an employee may have a claim for payment in lieu of annual leave if she has been unable to take her annual leave in the relevant period. 

  • Anonymous says:

    I have a 1 year old little boy and I’ve told my employer I’m not going back to work. During the year’s maternity leave I’ve fallen pregnant again. Will I still get SMP? Maternity leave ran from November and I fell pregnant in July – there will be 16 months between them.

    Editor: I am not clear if you have said you are not going back because you are pregnant again or you have handed in your notice. If the latter, do you know your last day of work [ie how much notice do you have to give?]. To qualify for SMP, you need to have worked for your employer from just before you got pregnant to at least the 26th week of pregnancy and be earning above a certain weekly limit. SMP is based on your average weekly earnings in the eight-week period before your 26th week. If you went on maternity leave in November 2011, you will be past the paid part of your SMP so you will not be earning enough to qualify for SMP. However, you should be able to claim Maternity Allowance

  • Anonymous says:

    My baby is due in May and I will be owed 4 weeks holiday in this holiday year (ie accrued up to Sept ’13 – then I assume the new holiday year will be accrued for when I return to work). My employer is refusing to let me take them all together at the start of my maternity (ie before my SMP kicks in) saying that I can only take a maximum of 2 weeks at that time and the other two weeks as days here and there in the coming couple of months. I find this far more disruptive to my job as I only work 3 days a week anyway so believe projects would suffer far more – I would far rather stop for maternity leave and take them all in one block. Is my employer allowed to refuse this? I can understand it if I wasn’t pregnant as a long holiday may be disruptive to the business, but it’s not a ‘holiday’ as such as it leads directly into maternity leave. If they are allowed, do they have to pay me for the holidays I cannot find time to take before I finish for mat leave?

    Editor: An employee continues to accrue annual leave during her maternity leave and the employer should apply their normal rules on taking and carrying forward annual leave.  An employee cannot take paid annual leave during her maternity leave and then resume her maternity leave but she can end her maternity leave early, if she gives the correct notice, and take the time off on paid annual leave. The law is currently unclear about what happens if a woman is unable to take all her annual leave in the relevant period because of her maternity leave, but a recent  House of Lords decision means an employee may have a claim for payment in lieu of annual leave if she has been unable to take her annual leave in the relevant period. 

  • Anonymous says:

    I have a 1 year old little boy and I’ve told my employer I’m not going back to work. During the year’s maternity leave I’ve fallen pregnant again. Will I still get SMP? Maternity leave ran from November and I fell pregnant in July – there will be 16 months between them.

    Editor: I am not clear if you have said you are not going back because you are pregnant again or you have handed in your notice. If the latter, do you know your last day of work [ie how much notice do you have to give?]. To qualify for SMP, you need to have worked for your employer from just before you got pregnant to at least the 26th week of pregnancy and be earning above a certain weekly limit. SMP is based on your average weekly earnings in the eight-week period before your 26th week. If you went on maternity leave in November 2011, you will be past the paid part of your SMP so you will not be earning enough to qualify for SMP. However, you should be able to claim Maternity Allowance

  • Anonymous says:

    My baby is due in May and I will be owed 4 weeks holiday in this holiday year (ie accrued up to Sept ’13 – then I assume the new holiday year will be accrued for when I return to work). My employer is refusing to let me take them all together at the start of my maternity (ie before my SMP kicks in) saying that I can only take a maximum of 2 weeks at that time and the other two weeks as days here and there in the coming couple of months. I find this far more disruptive to my job as I only work 3 days a week anyway so believe projects would suffer far more – I would far rather stop for maternity leave and take them all in one block. Is my employer allowed to refuse this? I can understand it if I wasn’t pregnant as a long holiday may be disruptive to the business, but it’s not a ‘holiday’ as such as it leads directly into maternity leave. If they are allowed, do they have to pay me for the holidays I cannot find time to take before I finish for mat leave?

    Editor: An employee continues to accrue annual leave during her maternity leave and the employer should apply their normal rules on taking and carrying forward annual leave.  An employee cannot take paid annual leave during her maternity leave and then resume her maternity leave but she can end her maternity leave early, if she gives the correct notice, and take the time off on paid annual leave. The law is currently unclear about what happens if a woman is unable to take all her annual leave in the relevant period because of her maternity leave, but a recent  House of Lords decision means an employee may have a claim for payment in lieu of annual leave if she has been unable to take her annual leave in the relevant period. 

  • Anonymous says:

    I have a 1 year old little boy and I’ve told my employer I’m not going back to work. During the year’s maternity leave I’ve fallen pregnant again. Will I still get SMP? Maternity leave ran from November and I fell pregnant in July – there will be 16 months between them.

    Editor: I am not clear if you have said you are not going back because you are pregnant again or you have handed in your notice. If the latter, do you know your last day of work [ie how much notice do you have to give?]. To qualify for SMP, you need to have worked for your employer from just before you got pregnant to at least the 26th week of pregnancy and be earning above a certain weekly limit. SMP is based on your average weekly earnings in the eight-week period before your 26th week. If you went on maternity leave in November 2011, you will be past the paid part of your SMP so you will not be earning enough to qualify for SMP. However, you should be able to claim Maternity Allowance

  • Anonymous says:

    I have just found out I am 5 weeks pregnant. I’m not sure if I will get maternity pay from my employer or if I will be entitled to go back after I have had the baby. I am on a temporary contract due to end in March 2013…(baby due 17-09-2013). I’m hoping they will extend the contract until March 2014 so I won’t tell them about my pregnancy until I know either way. Can anyone help on this?

    Editor: Could you send a little more information via our Advice & Support/Q & A page box as then our experts whill have your details and be able to advise you better. They will need to know, for instance, when your contract started. To be eligible for SMP you will need to have worked continuously for your employer from just before you were pregnant so if your contract is extended you should qualify for SMP. Also, how long have you worked for your current employer? You will have the same rights not to be dismissed due to pregnancy or maternity leave. See https://www.workingmums.co.uk/working-mums-magazine/all/1055478/maternity-pay-the-workingmums-guide.thtml

  • Anonymous says:

    I have just found out I am 5 weeks pregnant. I’m not sure if I will get maternity pay from my employer or if I will be entitled to go back after I have had the baby. I am on a temporary contract due to end in March 2013…(baby due 17-09-2013). I’m hoping they will extend the contract until March 2014 so I won’t tell them about my pregnancy until I know either way. Can anyone help on this?

    Editor: Could you send a little more information via our Advice & Support/Q & A page box as then our experts whill have your details and be able to advise you better. They will need to know, for instance, when your contract started. To be eligible for SMP you will need to have worked continuously for your employer from just before you were pregnant so if your contract is extended you should qualify for SMP. Also, how long have you worked for your current employer? You will have the same rights not to be dismissed due to pregnancy or maternity leave. See https://www.workingmums.co.uk/working-mums-magazine/all/1055478/maternity-pay-the-workingmums-guide.thtml

  • Anonymous says:

    I have just found out I am 5 weeks pregnant. I’m not sure if I will get maternity pay from my employer or if I will be entitled to go back after I have had the baby. I am on a temporary contract due to end in March 2013…(baby due 17-09-2013). I’m hoping they will extend the contract until March 2014 so I won’t tell them about my pregnancy until I know either way. Can anyone help on this?

    Editor: Could you send a little more information via our Advice & Support/Q & A page box as then our experts whill have your details and be able to advise you better. They will need to know, for instance, when your contract started. To be eligible for SMP you will need to have worked continuously for your employer from just before you were pregnant so if your contract is extended you should qualify for SMP. Also, how long have you worked for your current employer? You will have the same rights not to be dismissed due to pregnancy or maternity leave. See https://www.workingmums.co.uk/working-mums-magazine/all/1055478/maternity-pay-the-workingmums-guide.thtml

  • Anonymous says:

    Hi, I work as a self employed hairdresser 2 days a week within a salon and I am due in July. When I return after 9 months maternity leave, do I have the right to work the same days as before maternity? Thanks.

    Editor: It depends on the nature of the way you work – see https://www.workingmums.co.uk/advice-and-support/all/1060488/selfemployed-rights-to-return-to-work-after-maternity-leave-ask-the-expert.thtml 

  • Anonymous says:

    Hi, I work as a self employed hairdresser 2 days a week within a salon and I am due in July. When I return after 9 months maternity leave, do I have the right to work the same days as before maternity? Thanks.

    Editor: It depends on the nature of the way you work – see https://www.workingmums.co.uk/advice-and-support/all/1060488/selfemployed-rights-to-return-to-work-after-maternity-leave-ask-the-expert.thtml 

  • Anonymous says:

    Hi, I work as a self employed hairdresser 2 days a week within a salon and I am due in July. When I return after 9 months maternity leave, do I have the right to work the same days as before maternity? Thanks.

    Editor: It depends on the nature of the way you work – see https://www.workingmums.co.uk/advice-and-support/all/1060488/selfemployed-rights-to-return-to-work-after-maternity-leave-ask-the-expert.thtml 

  • Anonymous says:

    Hi, if I decide not to return to work after maternity leave I will be squired to repay enhanced maternity pay but will my employer require the sum gross or net of income tax?

  • Anonymous says:

    Hi, if I decide not to return to work after maternity leave I will be squired to repay enhanced maternity pay but will my employer require the sum gross or net of income tax?

  • Anonymous says:

    Hi, if I decide not to return to work after maternity leave I will be squired to repay enhanced maternity pay but will my employer require the sum gross or net of income tax?

  • Anonymous says:

    If I am employed but my company is only offering me SMP after I have been employed for 3 years. Do I by law have to return to this company? As I am not being paid anything over and above what they can claim back from the government anyway?

  • Anonymous says:

    If I am employed but my company is only offering me SMP after I have been employed for 3 years. Do I by law have to return to this company? As I am not being paid anything over and above what they can claim back from the government anyway?

  • Anonymous says:

    If I am employed but my company is only offering me SMP after I have been employed for 3 years. Do I by law have to return to this company? As I am not being paid anything over and above what they can claim back from the government anyway?

  • Anonymous says:

    Hi, I started maternity leave on 1st July 2012 as my company was in the middle of changing to another. Things got messed up and I was not put on maternity and therefore was receiving full pay. They have since realised a mistake was made and never paid me my December wage, and have not contacted me to say how much I am due them. Is this legal?? Also I am not returning to work due to childcare costs, do you know what benefits I am entitled to until I find part time work???

    Editor: Have you contacted them to ask how much you owe them? You should be able to work out how much you owe. SMP is generally paid at 90% of salary for the first six weeks and thereafter at £135.45 a week for the remaining weeks. You should be entitled to Jobseeker’s Allowance while you are actively seeking work – see https://www.gov.uk/jobseekers-allowance/overview . You may also be entitled to other related benefits. See here.  If you need further information, contact us via our Advice & Support/Q & A page box.

  • Anonymous says:

    Hi there,Great advice on here, I was wondering if you could comment on my situation. My partner and I are planning to have a child all being well looking to be pregnant by the end of the year. I work full time and have my own Ltd company, I also have a small part time employed job which brings in only £200 a month working for my father in law and also I have a self employed role which is my biggest income at present. How does SMP / MA work for me? And how long is is paid for? I will be aiming to work as close to the end of the pregnancy as possible. I keep seeing lots of links to gov site, but they do not give me the information I need. Also, I may do some work within my Ltd company and self employed role when I have had the child on mat leave – will this effect the SMP/ MA pay? Many thanks in advance.

    Editor: you would not qualify for SMP on the part-time role but might qualify for Maternity Allowance, but you might qualify for SMP on the self employed job. If you are a Director of a Limited Company you are treated as an employee of the Company, so may be entitled to claim SMP instead of MA. To qualify for Statutory Maternity Pay, you must satisfy the continuous employment rule (continuous employment for at least 26 weeks into the qualifying week (which is the 15th week before the week in which the baby is due) and the earnings rule.  SMP is paid by the limited company and reclaimed from HMRC. If you do not qualify for SMP, you may be entitled to MA. SMP is for 39 weeks, but you would have to claim it back from the Government and this might take some time to come through plus you may have to keep your company open. You would be liable to lose SMP if you work, however, but you can do up to 10 Keeping in Touch days during your leave without losing SMP. 

  • Anonymous says:

    Hi there,

    My partner is pregnant with our second child and has been employed in both of her part-time positions for over 26 weeks each. I don’t think individually, either job amounts to the minimum required. Is there a way of combining the pay from both jobs (which would mean she definitely meets the minimum requirement) in order to receive maternity pay?

    Any help is greatly appreciated.

    Editor: Are they both with separate employers? The problem is that due to NI payments, etc, they would be treated separately so if she does not meet the minimum earnings she may only qualify for Maternity Allowance – see https://www.gov.uk/maternity-allowance/overview 

  • Anonymous says:

    Hi, I started maternity leave on 1st July 2012 as my company was in the middle of changing to another. Things got messed up and I was not put on maternity and therefore was receiving full pay. They have since realised a mistake was made and never paid me my December wage, and have not contacted me to say how much I am due them. Is this legal?? Also I am not returning to work due to childcare costs, do you know what benefits I am entitled to until I find part time work???

    Editor: Have you contacted them to ask how much you owe them? You should be able to work out how much you owe. SMP is generally paid at 90% of salary for the first six weeks and thereafter at £135.45 a week for the remaining weeks. You should be entitled to Jobseeker’s Allowance while you are actively seeking work – see https://www.gov.uk/jobseekers-allowance/overview . You may also be entitled to other related benefits. See here.  If you need further information, contact us via our Advice & Support/Q & A page box.

  • Anonymous says:

    Hi there,Great advice on here, I was wondering if you could comment on my situation. My partner and I are planning to have a child all being well looking to be pregnant by the end of the year. I work full time and have my own Ltd company, I also have a small part time employed job which brings in only £200 a month working for my father in law and also I have a self employed role which is my biggest income at present. How does SMP / MA work for me? And how long is is paid for? I will be aiming to work as close to the end of the pregnancy as possible. I keep seeing lots of links to gov site, but they do not give me the information I need. Also, I may do some work within my Ltd company and self employed role when I have had the child on mat leave – will this effect the SMP/ MA pay? Many thanks in advance.

    Editor: you would not qualify for SMP on the part-time role but might qualify for Maternity Allowance, but you might qualify for SMP on the self employed job. If you are a Director of a Limited Company you are treated as an employee of the Company, so may be entitled to claim SMP instead of MA. To qualify for Statutory Maternity Pay, you must satisfy the continuous employment rule (continuous employment for at least 26 weeks into the qualifying week (which is the 15th week before the week in which the baby is due) and the earnings rule.  SMP is paid by the limited company and reclaimed from HMRC. If you do not qualify for SMP, you may be entitled to MA. SMP is for 39 weeks, but you would have to claim it back from the Government and this might take some time to come through plus you may have to keep your company open. You would be liable to lose SMP if you work, however, but you can do up to 10 Keeping in Touch days during your leave without losing SMP. 

  • Anonymous says:

    Hi there,

    My partner is pregnant with our second child and has been employed in both of her part-time positions for over 26 weeks each. I don’t think individually, either job amounts to the minimum required. Is there a way of combining the pay from both jobs (which would mean she definitely meets the minimum requirement) in order to receive maternity pay?

    Any help is greatly appreciated.

    Editor: Are they both with separate employers? The problem is that due to NI payments, etc, they would be treated separately so if she does not meet the minimum earnings she may only qualify for Maternity Allowance – see https://www.gov.uk/maternity-allowance/overview 

  • Anonymous says:

    Hi, I started maternity leave on 1st July 2012 as my company was in the middle of changing to another. Things got messed up and I was not put on maternity and therefore was receiving full pay. They have since realised a mistake was made and never paid me my December wage, and have not contacted me to say how much I am due them. Is this legal?? Also I am not returning to work due to childcare costs, do you know what benefits I am entitled to until I find part time work???

    Editor: Have you contacted them to ask how much you owe them? You should be able to work out how much you owe. SMP is generally paid at 90% of salary for the first six weeks and thereafter at £135.45 a week for the remaining weeks. You should be entitled to Jobseeker’s Allowance while you are actively seeking work – see https://www.gov.uk/jobseekers-allowance/overview . You may also be entitled to other related benefits. See here.  If you need further information, contact us via our Advice & Support/Q & A page box.

  • Anonymous says:

    Hi there,Great advice on here, I was wondering if you could comment on my situation. My partner and I are planning to have a child all being well looking to be pregnant by the end of the year. I work full time and have my own Ltd company, I also have a small part time employed job which brings in only £200 a month working for my father in law and also I have a self employed role which is my biggest income at present. How does SMP / MA work for me? And how long is is paid for? I will be aiming to work as close to the end of the pregnancy as possible. I keep seeing lots of links to gov site, but they do not give me the information I need. Also, I may do some work within my Ltd company and self employed role when I have had the child on mat leave – will this effect the SMP/ MA pay? Many thanks in advance.

    Editor: you would not qualify for SMP on the part-time role but might qualify for Maternity Allowance, but you might qualify for SMP on the self employed job. If you are a Director of a Limited Company you are treated as an employee of the Company, so may be entitled to claim SMP instead of MA. To qualify for Statutory Maternity Pay, you must satisfy the continuous employment rule (continuous employment for at least 26 weeks into the qualifying week (which is the 15th week before the week in which the baby is due) and the earnings rule.  SMP is paid by the limited company and reclaimed from HMRC. If you do not qualify for SMP, you may be entitled to MA. SMP is for 39 weeks, but you would have to claim it back from the Government and this might take some time to come through plus you may have to keep your company open. You would be liable to lose SMP if you work, however, but you can do up to 10 Keeping in Touch days during your leave without losing SMP. 

  • Anonymous says:

    Hi there,

    My partner is pregnant with our second child and has been employed in both of her part-time positions for over 26 weeks each. I don’t think individually, either job amounts to the minimum required. Is there a way of combining the pay from both jobs (which would mean she definitely meets the minimum requirement) in order to receive maternity pay?

    Any help is greatly appreciated.

    Editor: Are they both with separate employers? The problem is that due to NI payments, etc, they would be treated separately so if she does not meet the minimum earnings she may only qualify for Maternity Allowance – see https://www.gov.uk/maternity-allowance/overview 

  • Anonymous says:

    Hi, My Maternity leave began 17th September 2012. I will be taking 27 weeks leave and returning at the end of March. My employer has a company maternity pay scheme so I am lucky and get more than the norm. However, me and my husband are trying for another baby and if all goes to plan I could be 13 weeks pregnant on my return to work. Would I still be entitled to the same benefits as I am receiving now? I plan to work to 38 weeks. Thanks!

    Editor: You should certainly be entitled to SMP and your entitlement would be based on the eight-week period before your 26th week of pregnancy. I am not sure about your company maternity pay scheme. You would have to check the small print on that.

  • Anonymous says:

    Hi, My Maternity leave began 17th September 2012. I will be taking 27 weeks leave and returning at the end of March. My employer has a company maternity pay scheme so I am lucky and get more than the norm. However, me and my husband are trying for another baby and if all goes to plan I could be 13 weeks pregnant on my return to work. Would I still be entitled to the same benefits as I am receiving now? I plan to work to 38 weeks. Thanks!

    Editor: You should certainly be entitled to SMP and your entitlement would be based on the eight-week period before your 26th week of pregnancy. I am not sure about your company maternity pay scheme. You would have to check the small print on that.

  • Anonymous says:

    Hi, My Maternity leave began 17th September 2012. I will be taking 27 weeks leave and returning at the end of March. My employer has a company maternity pay scheme so I am lucky and get more than the norm. However, me and my husband are trying for another baby and if all goes to plan I could be 13 weeks pregnant on my return to work. Would I still be entitled to the same benefits as I am receiving now? I plan to work to 38 weeks. Thanks!

    Editor: You should certainly be entitled to SMP and your entitlement would be based on the eight-week period before your 26th week of pregnancy. I am not sure about your company maternity pay scheme. You would have to check the small print on that.

  • Anonymous says:

    Hi, I am pregnant and I am going my maternity on next week. My employer says I am getting 90% for the first 6 weeks then £135.45 so I wanna know if I can get another benefit because I can’t afford to pay everything.

    Editor: That is standard statutory maternity pay. You may need to consider going back to work earlier if you cannot afford to stay off longer. The only other benefit which might apply is this, but you may not qualify.

  • Anonymous says:

    Hi, I am pregnant and I am going my maternity on next week. My employer says I am getting 90% for the first 6 weeks then £135.45 so I wanna know if I can get another benefit because I can’t afford to pay everything.

    Editor: That is standard statutory maternity pay. You may need to consider going back to work earlier if you cannot afford to stay off longer. The only other benefit which might apply is this, but you may not qualify.

  • Anonymous says:

    Hi, I am pregnant and I am going my maternity on next week. My employer says I am getting 90% for the first 6 weeks then £135.45 so I wanna know if I can get another benefit because I can’t afford to pay everything.

    Editor: That is standard statutory maternity pay. You may need to consider going back to work earlier if you cannot afford to stay off longer. The only other benefit which might apply is this, but you may not qualify.

  • Anonymous says:

    Hi, I started a new job on the 17th December, and found out a week later that I was pregnant. Due around the 18th August. I just wondered if you could please answer 2 questions: firstly does that mean that I won’t be entitled to any maternity benefit? As I won’t have worked for them for 26 weeks 15 weeks before due date. Also, do my new employers have grounds to dismiss me as I’m a new employee?! Very worried about their reactions!

    Editor: If you do not qualify for SMP, you will qualify for Maternity Allowance – see https://www.gov.uk/maternity-allowance. With regard to your second question: If your employer dismisses you because of your pregnancy you could make a claim to an Employment Tribunal for automatic unfair dismissal (regardless of how long you have been employed) and also for pregnancy discrimination. You would need to be able to show an Employment Tribunal that the main reason for your dismissal was your pregnancy, though, and they may give other reasons even if you suspect that it is really because you are pregnant. You don’t have to let your employer know you’re pregnant until the 15th week prior to the week your baby is due. This is called the notification week. 

  • Anonymous says:

    Hi, am I entitled to any benefits after my 39 weeks SMP ends but before I return to work after 52 weeks?

    Editor: I am afraid the rest of your maternity leave is unpaid. 

  • Anonymous says:

    Hi, I started a new job on the 17th December, and found out a week later that I was pregnant. Due around the 18th August. I just wondered if you could please answer 2 questions: firstly does that mean that I won’t be entitled to any maternity benefit? As I won’t have worked for them for 26 weeks 15 weeks before due date. Also, do my new employers have grounds to dismiss me as I’m a new employee?! Very worried about their reactions!

    Editor: If you do not qualify for SMP, you will qualify for Maternity Allowance – see https://www.gov.uk/maternity-allowance. With regard to your second question: If your employer dismisses you because of your pregnancy you could make a claim to an Employment Tribunal for automatic unfair dismissal (regardless of how long you have been employed) and also for pregnancy discrimination. You would need to be able to show an Employment Tribunal that the main reason for your dismissal was your pregnancy, though, and they may give other reasons even if you suspect that it is really because you are pregnant. You don’t have to let your employer know you’re pregnant until the 15th week prior to the week your baby is due. This is called the notification week. 

  • Anonymous says:

    Hi, am I entitled to any benefits after my 39 weeks SMP ends but before I return to work after 52 weeks?

    Editor: I am afraid the rest of your maternity leave is unpaid. 

  • Anonymous says:

    Hi, I started a new job on the 17th December, and found out a week later that I was pregnant. Due around the 18th August. I just wondered if you could please answer 2 questions: firstly does that mean that I won’t be entitled to any maternity benefit? As I won’t have worked for them for 26 weeks 15 weeks before due date. Also, do my new employers have grounds to dismiss me as I’m a new employee?! Very worried about their reactions!

    Editor: If you do not qualify for SMP, you will qualify for Maternity Allowance – see https://www.gov.uk/maternity-allowance. With regard to your second question: If your employer dismisses you because of your pregnancy you could make a claim to an Employment Tribunal for automatic unfair dismissal (regardless of how long you have been employed) and also for pregnancy discrimination. You would need to be able to show an Employment Tribunal that the main reason for your dismissal was your pregnancy, though, and they may give other reasons even if you suspect that it is really because you are pregnant. You don’t have to let your employer know you’re pregnant until the 15th week prior to the week your baby is due. This is called the notification week. 

  • Anonymous says:

    Hi, am I entitled to any benefits after my 39 weeks SMP ends but before I return to work after 52 weeks?

    Editor: I am afraid the rest of your maternity leave is unpaid. 

  • Anonymous says:

    Hi, my daughter has been employed by her employer for over six years and is due to finish on the 13th of January. She has told her employer that she will not be able to return to work due to childcare costs – her baby is due around 22nd of February. Is she still entitled to SMP?

    Editor: If she meets the eligibility criteria – see here [she certainly does on continuity of employment, but you do not mention pay] she will qualify. Her SMP will not be affected if she does not return after maternity leave.

  • Anonymous says:

    I’ve been on long term sick for 15 months now. I’m due to return to work next month but I’m 16 weeks pregnant. Will I be entitled to smp? My employers are aware I’m pregnant.

    Editor: Can you contact us via the Advice & Support/Q &A page box as we need to find out more to advise you better. You may fall foul of the eligibility rules for SMP due to how long you have been on sick leave, but we need to know more. You should, however, qualify for Maternity Allowance.

  • Anonymous says:

    Hi, my daughter has been employed by her employer for over six years and is due to finish on the 13th of January. She has told her employer that she will not be able to return to work due to childcare costs – her baby is due around 22nd of February. Is she still entitled to SMP?

    Editor: If she meets the eligibility criteria – see here [she certainly does on continuity of employment, but you do not mention pay] she will qualify. Her SMP will not be affected if she does not return after maternity leave.

  • Anonymous says:

    I’ve been on long term sick for 15 months now. I’m due to return to work next month but I’m 16 weeks pregnant. Will I be entitled to smp? My employers are aware I’m pregnant.

    Editor: Can you contact us via the Advice & Support/Q &A page box as we need to find out more to advise you better. You may fall foul of the eligibility rules for SMP due to how long you have been on sick leave, but we need to know more. You should, however, qualify for Maternity Allowance.

  • Anonymous says:

    Hi, my daughter has been employed by her employer for over six years and is due to finish on the 13th of January. She has told her employer that she will not be able to return to work due to childcare costs – her baby is due around 22nd of February. Is she still entitled to SMP?

    Editor: If she meets the eligibility criteria – see here [she certainly does on continuity of employment, but you do not mention pay] she will qualify. Her SMP will not be affected if she does not return after maternity leave.

  • Anonymous says:

    I’ve been on long term sick for 15 months now. I’m due to return to work next month but I’m 16 weeks pregnant. Will I be entitled to smp? My employers are aware I’m pregnant.

    Editor: Can you contact us via the Advice & Support/Q &A page box as we need to find out more to advise you better. You may fall foul of the eligibility rules for SMP due to how long you have been on sick leave, but we need to know more. You should, however, qualify for Maternity Allowance.

  • Anonymous says:

    Hi, I am contractually entitled to 26 weeks full pay by my employer. After that, I would like to claim a further 13 weeks of SMP. My question is, would I still be entitled to the first 6 weeks of SMP at 90% of my earnings, or would I go straight to the lower amount since I have already received 26 weeks full pay from my employer? Thanks.

    Editor: Contractual maternity pay is usually at a higher rate to SMP and the weeks following the full pay period are usually at the statutory rate of £135 a week.

  • Anonymous says:

    I currently work 29/37.25 hours a week. My baby is due 23 April 2013. I know my Employer will pay me 90% of my current salary for the first 8 weeks, as this is my second period of maternity leave. I earn over SMP, but wondered when SMP does kick in, whether £135 will be prorata i.e. £135 x 29/37.25 like my usual salary?

    Editor: The 90% applies to the first six weeks and this is calculated based on your average weekly earnings over an eight-week period leading up to the 15th week before your due date. See https://www.gov.uk/statutory-maternity-pay/what-youll-get

  • Anonymous says:

    Hi, I am contractually entitled to 26 weeks full pay by my employer. After that, I would like to claim a further 13 weeks of SMP. My question is, would I still be entitled to the first 6 weeks of SMP at 90% of my earnings, or would I go straight to the lower amount since I have already received 26 weeks full pay from my employer? Thanks.

    Editor: Contractual maternity pay is usually at a higher rate to SMP and the weeks following the full pay period are usually at the statutory rate of £135 a week.

  • Anonymous says:

    I currently work 29/37.25 hours a week. My baby is due 23 April 2013. I know my Employer will pay me 90% of my current salary for the first 8 weeks, as this is my second period of maternity leave. I earn over SMP, but wondered when SMP does kick in, whether £135 will be prorata i.e. £135 x 29/37.25 like my usual salary?

    Editor: The 90% applies to the first six weeks and this is calculated based on your average weekly earnings over an eight-week period leading up to the 15th week before your due date. See https://www.gov.uk/statutory-maternity-pay/what-youll-get

  • Anonymous says:

    Hi, I am contractually entitled to 26 weeks full pay by my employer. After that, I would like to claim a further 13 weeks of SMP. My question is, would I still be entitled to the first 6 weeks of SMP at 90% of my earnings, or would I go straight to the lower amount since I have already received 26 weeks full pay from my employer? Thanks.

    Editor: Contractual maternity pay is usually at a higher rate to SMP and the weeks following the full pay period are usually at the statutory rate of £135 a week.

  • Anonymous says:

    I currently work 29/37.25 hours a week. My baby is due 23 April 2013. I know my Employer will pay me 90% of my current salary for the first 8 weeks, as this is my second period of maternity leave. I earn over SMP, but wondered when SMP does kick in, whether £135 will be prorata i.e. £135 x 29/37.25 like my usual salary?

    Editor: The 90% applies to the first six weeks and this is calculated based on your average weekly earnings over an eight-week period leading up to the 15th week before your due date. See https://www.gov.uk/statutory-maternity-pay/what-youll-get

  • Anonymous says:

    I work 13 hours a week and take home £525 a month, I’ve been employed for 5 years. Am I entitled to smp and if so how much a week would I receive. Thank you.

    Editor: Click here for eligibility details. You should qualify. SMP is 90% of your pay over six weeks and then the rest at around £135 a week.

  • Anonymous says:

    I work 13 hours a week and take home £525 a month, I’ve been employed for 5 years. Am I entitled to smp and if so how much a week would I receive. Thank you.

    Editor: Click here for eligibility details. You should qualify. SMP is 90% of your pay over six weeks and then the rest at around £135 a week.

  • Anonymous says:

    I work 13 hours a week and take home £525 a month, I’ve been employed for 5 years. Am I entitled to smp and if so how much a week would I receive. Thank you.

    Editor: Click here for eligibility details. You should qualify. SMP is 90% of your pay over six weeks and then the rest at around £135 a week.

  • Anonymous says:

    I work part time (3 days a week) and start my maternity leave and pay next week, I am considering becoming self employed when baby is born… can I still claim my maternity pay from my previous employer and also work as self employed?

    Editor: If you are talking about SMP, then you can work as self employed during your maternity leave without losing SMP. See http://www.dwp.gov.uk/publications/specialist-guides/technical-guidance/ni17a-a-guide-to-maternity/statutory-maternity-pay-smp/working-in-your-maternity-pay/

  • Anonymous says:

    I work part time (3 days a week) and start my maternity leave and pay next week, I am considering becoming self employed when baby is born… can I still claim my maternity pay from my previous employer and also work as self employed?

    Editor: If you are talking about SMP, then you can work as self employed during your maternity leave without losing SMP. See http://www.dwp.gov.uk/publications/specialist-guides/technical-guidance/ni17a-a-guide-to-maternity/statutory-maternity-pay-smp/working-in-your-maternity-pay/

  • Anonymous says:

    I work part time (3 days a week) and start my maternity leave and pay next week, I am considering becoming self employed when baby is born… can I still claim my maternity pay from my previous employer and also work as self employed?

    Editor: If you are talking about SMP, then you can work as self employed during your maternity leave without losing SMP. See http://www.dwp.gov.uk/publications/specialist-guides/technical-guidance/ni17a-a-guide-to-maternity/statutory-maternity-pay-smp/working-in-your-maternity-pay/

  • Anonymous says:

    Hi I am a full-time worker working in the company for about 7 years. My maternity pay starts from October. My weekly earning is £266. How much I can get every month?

    Editor: If you qualify for Statutory Maternity Pay, click here to find out more about your entitlement – https://www.gov.uk/statutory-maternity-pay/what-youll-get 

  • Anonymous says:

    Hi I am a full-time worker working in the company for about 7 years. My maternity pay starts from October. My weekly earning is £266. How much I can get every month?

    Editor: If you qualify for Statutory Maternity Pay, click here to find out more about your entitlement – https://www.gov.uk/statutory-maternity-pay/what-youll-get 

  • Anonymous says:

    Hi I am a full-time worker working in the company for about 7 years. My maternity pay starts from October. My weekly earning is £266. How much I can get every month?

    Editor: If you qualify for Statutory Maternity Pay, click here to find out more about your entitlement – https://www.gov.uk/statutory-maternity-pay/what-youll-get 

  • Anonymous says:

    I’ve been self employed for many years, but don’t earn a lot so haven’t paid a huge amount of National Insurance.  Am I entitled to maternity pay? Also if I was to be employed as a employee and fell pregnant within the first few months where would I stand? Thanks

    Editor: See https://www.gov.uk/statutory-maternity-pay/eligibility for information on eligibility for SMP.

  • Anonymous says:

    I’ve been self employed for many years, but don’t earn a lot so haven’t paid a huge amount of National Insurance.  Am I entitled to maternity pay? Also if I was to be employed as a employee and fell pregnant within the first few months where would I stand? Thanks

    Editor: See https://www.gov.uk/statutory-maternity-pay/eligibility for information on eligibility for SMP.

  • Anonymous says:

    I’ve been self employed for many years, but don’t earn a lot so haven’t paid a huge amount of National Insurance.  Am I entitled to maternity pay? Also if I was to be employed as a employee and fell pregnant within the first few months where would I stand? Thanks

    Editor: See https://www.gov.uk/statutory-maternity-pay/eligibility for information on eligibility for SMP.

  • Anonymous says:

    I go back to work end of 39 weeks of SMP. How many weeks do I have to work to qualify for SSP?

    Editor: If an employee is sick on her return from Statutory Maternity Leave, she should follow normal sickness procedures. An employee is unlikely to satisfy the eligibility criteria for Statutory Sick Pay if she did not receive any pay during the final 13 weeks of her maternity leave. She will be entitled to contractual sick pay in the normal way. For more information you need to send emails for our experts via the Advice & Support/Q & A page box.

  • Anonymous says:

    I go back to work end of 39 weeks of SMP. How many weeks do I have to work to qualify for SSP?

    Editor: If an employee is sick on her return from Statutory Maternity Leave, she should follow normal sickness procedures. An employee is unlikely to satisfy the eligibility criteria for Statutory Sick Pay if she did not receive any pay during the final 13 weeks of her maternity leave. She will be entitled to contractual sick pay in the normal way. For more information you need to send emails for our experts via the Advice & Support/Q & A page box.

  • Anonymous says:

    I go back to work end of 39 weeks of SMP. How many weeks do I have to work to qualify for SSP?

    Editor: If an employee is sick on her return from Statutory Maternity Leave, she should follow normal sickness procedures. An employee is unlikely to satisfy the eligibility criteria for Statutory Sick Pay if she did not receive any pay during the final 13 weeks of her maternity leave. She will be entitled to contractual sick pay in the normal way. For more information you need to send emails for our experts via the Advice & Support/Q & A page box.

  • Anonymous says:

    Hi I’ve been off sick since week 10 of my pregnancy and my boss thinks it’s better I stay off sick till I start my maternity leave, but would this affect how much maternity pay I would get.

    Editor: Please use the Advice & Support/Q & A page box so we can contact you for more information and can answer you properly. Are you claiming Statutory Sick Pay? Your SMP could be affected if you are off work or your earnings are reduced during the calculation period for SMP [the eight weeks leading up to the 15th week before your due date]. The first 6 weeks of your SMP will be paid at 90% of your average earnings during the calculation period. If your average earnings during the calculation period are lower than normal because you were receiving SSP during part of the period, your SMP during the first six weeks will be reduced. If you received SSP during the whole of the calculation period, your average earnings will be below the Lower Earnings Limit of £107 (April 2012-April 2013). This means that you will not qualify for SMP from your employer but you should apply to your local JobCentre Plus for Maternity Allowance.

  • Anonymous says:

    Hi I’ve been off sick since week 10 of my pregnancy and my boss thinks it’s better I stay off sick till I start my maternity leave, but would this affect how much maternity pay I would get.

    Editor: Please use the Advice & Support/Q & A page box so we can contact you for more information and can answer you properly. Are you claiming Statutory Sick Pay? Your SMP could be affected if you are off work or your earnings are reduced during the calculation period for SMP [the eight weeks leading up to the 15th week before your due date]. The first 6 weeks of your SMP will be paid at 90% of your average earnings during the calculation period. If your average earnings during the calculation period are lower than normal because you were receiving SSP during part of the period, your SMP during the first six weeks will be reduced. If you received SSP during the whole of the calculation period, your average earnings will be below the Lower Earnings Limit of £107 (April 2012-April 2013). This means that you will not qualify for SMP from your employer but you should apply to your local JobCentre Plus for Maternity Allowance.

  • Anonymous says:

    Hi I’ve been off sick since week 10 of my pregnancy and my boss thinks it’s better I stay off sick till I start my maternity leave, but would this affect how much maternity pay I would get.

    Editor: Please use the Advice & Support/Q & A page box so we can contact you for more information and can answer you properly. Are you claiming Statutory Sick Pay? Your SMP could be affected if you are off work or your earnings are reduced during the calculation period for SMP [the eight weeks leading up to the 15th week before your due date]. The first 6 weeks of your SMP will be paid at 90% of your average earnings during the calculation period. If your average earnings during the calculation period are lower than normal because you were receiving SSP during part of the period, your SMP during the first six weeks will be reduced. If you received SSP during the whole of the calculation period, your average earnings will be below the Lower Earnings Limit of £107 (April 2012-April 2013). This means that you will not qualify for SMP from your employer but you should apply to your local JobCentre Plus for Maternity Allowance.

  • Anonymous says:

    Hi, I’ve just started a new job where I haven’t told them I am pregnant yet as I thought it would affect my chances of getting the job, but I will be due next May so I will work till I am 39 weeks and I would then have worked for them for 23 weeks. What am I entitled to pay wise? And can they do anything because I am pregnant ? I work for the council.

    Editor: Could you submit this via our Advice & Support/Q & A page box as we then have your email and our experts can ask any follow-up questions they may need to advise you properly. For eligibility conditions for SMP, see https://www.gov.uk/statutory-maternity-pay/eligibility

  • Anonymous says:

    Hi, I have just found out I am pregnant and I have only been working for a month with my company. I plan on working right up until 8 weeks before my due date. Will I still be entitled to maternity pay and my working tax credits? I only plan to take 26 weeks maternity leave.

    Editor: You don’t say how pregnant you are. For eligibility for SMP see https://www.gov.uk/statutory-maternity-pay/eligibility. Tax credits are not dependent on length of employment. See http://www.hmrc.gov.uk/manuals/tcmanual/tcm0114120.htm. 

  • Anonymous says:

    Hi, I’ve just started a new job where I haven’t told them I am pregnant yet as I thought it would affect my chances of getting the job, but I will be due next May so I will work till I am 39 weeks and I would then have worked for them for 23 weeks. What am I entitled to pay wise? And can they do anything because I am pregnant ? I work for the council.

    Editor: Could you submit this via our Advice & Support/Q & A page box as we then have your email and our experts can ask any follow-up questions they may need to advise you properly. For eligibility conditions for SMP, see https://www.gov.uk/statutory-maternity-pay/eligibility

  • Anonymous says:

    Hi, I have just found out I am pregnant and I have only been working for a month with my company. I plan on working right up until 8 weeks before my due date. Will I still be entitled to maternity pay and my working tax credits? I only plan to take 26 weeks maternity leave.

    Editor: You don’t say how pregnant you are. For eligibility for SMP see https://www.gov.uk/statutory-maternity-pay/eligibility. Tax credits are not dependent on length of employment. See http://www.hmrc.gov.uk/manuals/tcmanual/tcm0114120.htm. 

  • Anonymous says:

    Hi, I’ve just started a new job where I haven’t told them I am pregnant yet as I thought it would affect my chances of getting the job, but I will be due next May so I will work till I am 39 weeks and I would then have worked for them for 23 weeks. What am I entitled to pay wise? And can they do anything because I am pregnant ? I work for the council.

    Editor: Could you submit this via our Advice & Support/Q & A page box as we then have your email and our experts can ask any follow-up questions they may need to advise you properly. For eligibility conditions for SMP, see https://www.gov.uk/statutory-maternity-pay/eligibility

  • Anonymous says:

    Hi, I have just found out I am pregnant and I have only been working for a month with my company. I plan on working right up until 8 weeks before my due date. Will I still be entitled to maternity pay and my working tax credits? I only plan to take 26 weeks maternity leave.

    Editor: You don’t say how pregnant you are. For eligibility for SMP see https://www.gov.uk/statutory-maternity-pay/eligibility. Tax credits are not dependent on length of employment. See http://www.hmrc.gov.uk/manuals/tcmanual/tcm0114120.htm. 

  • Anonymous says:

    Hi, Im on maternity leave until 16th of August 2013. If I decided to go back to work part time (say 1 day a week) while Im still on SMP, would I still be able to claim it? Also would I be able to claim working tax credit at the same time if our joint household income was within the required limits?

  • Anonymous says:

    Hi, Im on maternity leave until 16th of August 2013. If I decided to go back to work part time (say 1 day a week) while Im still on SMP, would I still be able to claim it? Also would I be able to claim working tax credit at the same time if our joint household income was within the required limits?

  • Anonymous says:

    Hi, Im on maternity leave until 16th of August 2013. If I decided to go back to work part time (say 1 day a week) while Im still on SMP, would I still be able to claim it? Also would I be able to claim working tax credit at the same time if our joint household income was within the required limits?

  • Anonymous says:

    Hi, if I have just taken 39 weeks off work for maternity leave then went back to work full time. Does this count as continues employment if I have fallen pregnant again and will I get the same rate of SMP again if I have been back to work for 23 weeks before my 15th week of confinement? 

    Editor: Yes, while you are on maternity leave you are still an employee. You will quality for Statutory Maternity Pay (SMP) if you have been in the same job for at least 26 weeks by the end of the 15th week before your baby is due and you earn at least £107 per week (April 2012-April 2013) on average in the calculation period for SMP.  

  • Anonymous says:

    Hi can you please help me? You say the smp is calculated 8 weeks before your 15th week for your second pregnancy so can you give me an example of what my second smp could be? I will have been back from maternity leave 23 weeks before my 15th week of confinement. 

    Editor: If your weekly wage is steady and you are in the same job you were in from your previous pregnancy, it should be fairly easy to calculate. Go to http://www.dwp.gov.uk/publications/specialist-guides/technical-guidance/ni17a-a-guide-to-maternity/statutory-maternity-pay-smp/eligibility/ for a full explanation which will help you work this out.

  • Anonymous says:

    Hi, if I have just taken 39 weeks off work for maternity leave then went back to work full time. Does this count as continues employment if I have fallen pregnant again and will I get the same rate of SMP again if I have been back to work for 23 weeks before my 15th week of confinement? 

    Editor: Yes, while you are on maternity leave you are still an employee. You will quality for Statutory Maternity Pay (SMP) if you have been in the same job for at least 26 weeks by the end of the 15th week before your baby is due and you earn at least £107 per week (April 2012-April 2013) on average in the calculation period for SMP.  

  • Anonymous says:

    Hi can you please help me? You say the smp is calculated 8 weeks before your 15th week for your second pregnancy so can you give me an example of what my second smp could be? I will have been back from maternity leave 23 weeks before my 15th week of confinement. 

    Editor: If your weekly wage is steady and you are in the same job you were in from your previous pregnancy, it should be fairly easy to calculate. Go to http://www.dwp.gov.uk/publications/specialist-guides/technical-guidance/ni17a-a-guide-to-maternity/statutory-maternity-pay-smp/eligibility/ for a full explanation which will help you work this out.

  • Anonymous says:

    Hi, if I have just taken 39 weeks off work for maternity leave then went back to work full time. Does this count as continues employment if I have fallen pregnant again and will I get the same rate of SMP again if I have been back to work for 23 weeks before my 15th week of confinement? 

    Editor: Yes, while you are on maternity leave you are still an employee. You will quality for Statutory Maternity Pay (SMP) if you have been in the same job for at least 26 weeks by the end of the 15th week before your baby is due and you earn at least £107 per week (April 2012-April 2013) on average in the calculation period for SMP.  

  • Anonymous says:

    Hi can you please help me? You say the smp is calculated 8 weeks before your 15th week for your second pregnancy so can you give me an example of what my second smp could be? I will have been back from maternity leave 23 weeks before my 15th week of confinement. 

    Editor: If your weekly wage is steady and you are in the same job you were in from your previous pregnancy, it should be fairly easy to calculate. Go to http://www.dwp.gov.uk/publications/specialist-guides/technical-guidance/ni17a-a-guide-to-maternity/statutory-maternity-pay-smp/eligibility/ for a full explanation which will help you work this out.

  • Anonymous says:

    Am on maternity leave from July 2012 going back to work in April 2013, I am pregnant again – am I entitled to maternity pay?

    Editor:

    Some women fall pregnant whilst they are still on maternity leave. The Trades Union Congress advises that maternity leave in this instance does not break your continuity of employment, so your right to maternity leave for the new pregnancy will be based upon your total service with the employer. You are also eligible for SMP as long as you meet the normal requirements. You must give the same notice of your intention to take OML as you did the first time, that is by the end of the 15th week before your child is due and you must give your employer the information in writing if they request it. Once you have given notice of the date that you intend the leave to begin on, you can subsequently change your mind and vary the date. In this case you must notify your employer of the variation at least 28 days before the new date begins, or if this is not reasonably practicable, as soon as is reasonably practicable.
     
    The TUC says that it is important that you physically go back into work for a period – even just one day – in order to maintain all of your rights. Mums will, however, have the same rights as they would have received on returning from AML i.e. the right to return to the same job, or if that is not reasonably practicable, a suitable alternative job on similar terms and conditions.
     
    You should also note that SMP is calculated on average earnings of eight weeks before the 15th week before the baby is due. Therefore, if you received SMP or Maternity Allowance for your first period of maternity leave, then your next maternity leave will be calculated using the actual amount of money you received in this time.
     
    Therefore returning to work between the two leave periods may increase the amount of SMP you receive, particularly if you can return eight weeks before the end of the 15th week before the baby’s due.
     

  • Anonymous says:

    Am on maternity leave from July 2012 going back to work in April 2013, I am pregnant again – am I entitled to maternity pay?

    Editor:

    Some women fall pregnant whilst they are still on maternity leave. The Trades Union Congress advises that maternity leave in this instance does not break your continuity of employment, so your right to maternity leave for the new pregnancy will be based upon your total service with the employer. You are also eligible for SMP as long as you meet the normal requirements. You must give the same notice of your intention to take OML as you did the first time, that is by the end of the 15th week before your child is due and you must give your employer the information in writing if they request it. Once you have given notice of the date that you intend the leave to begin on, you can subsequently change your mind and vary the date. In this case you must notify your employer of the variation at least 28 days before the new date begins, or if this is not reasonably practicable, as soon as is reasonably practicable.
     
    The TUC says that it is important that you physically go back into work for a period – even just one day – in order to maintain all of your rights. Mums will, however, have the same rights as they would have received on returning from AML i.e. the right to return to the same job, or if that is not reasonably practicable, a suitable alternative job on similar terms and conditions.
     
    You should also note that SMP is calculated on average earnings of eight weeks before the 15th week before the baby is due. Therefore, if you received SMP or Maternity Allowance for your first period of maternity leave, then your next maternity leave will be calculated using the actual amount of money you received in this time.
     
    Therefore returning to work between the two leave periods may increase the amount of SMP you receive, particularly if you can return eight weeks before the end of the 15th week before the baby’s due.
     

  • Anonymous says:

    Am on maternity leave from July 2012 going back to work in April 2013, I am pregnant again – am I entitled to maternity pay?

    Editor:

    Some women fall pregnant whilst they are still on maternity leave. The Trades Union Congress advises that maternity leave in this instance does not break your continuity of employment, so your right to maternity leave for the new pregnancy will be based upon your total service with the employer. You are also eligible for SMP as long as you meet the normal requirements. You must give the same notice of your intention to take OML as you did the first time, that is by the end of the 15th week before your child is due and you must give your employer the information in writing if they request it. Once you have given notice of the date that you intend the leave to begin on, you can subsequently change your mind and vary the date. In this case you must notify your employer of the variation at least 28 days before the new date begins, or if this is not reasonably practicable, as soon as is reasonably practicable.
     
    The TUC says that it is important that you physically go back into work for a period – even just one day – in order to maintain all of your rights. Mums will, however, have the same rights as they would have received on returning from AML i.e. the right to return to the same job, or if that is not reasonably practicable, a suitable alternative job on similar terms and conditions.
     
    You should also note that SMP is calculated on average earnings of eight weeks before the 15th week before the baby is due. Therefore, if you received SMP or Maternity Allowance for your first period of maternity leave, then your next maternity leave will be calculated using the actual amount of money you received in this time.
     
    Therefore returning to work between the two leave periods may increase the amount of SMP you receive, particularly if you can return eight weeks before the end of the 15th week before the baby’s due.
     

  • Anonymous says:

    I have been dismissed at work so can I claim SMP still? Or is there something else I can claim. My baby is due in 7 weeks.

    Editor: As long as you remain employed after the 15th week, you are entitled to maternity pay even if your employment ends. See – https://www.workingmums.co.uk/advice-and-support/career-advice/399271/maternity-and-redundancy-your-rights.thtml 

  • Anonymous says:

    I have been dismissed at work so can I claim SMP still? Or is there something else I can claim. My baby is due in 7 weeks.

    Editor: As long as you remain employed after the 15th week, you are entitled to maternity pay even if your employment ends. See – https://www.workingmums.co.uk/advice-and-support/career-advice/399271/maternity-and-redundancy-your-rights.thtml 

  • Anonymous says:

    I have been dismissed at work so can I claim SMP still? Or is there something else I can claim. My baby is due in 7 weeks.

    Editor: As long as you remain employed after the 15th week, you are entitled to maternity pay even if your employment ends. See – https://www.workingmums.co.uk/advice-and-support/career-advice/399271/maternity-and-redundancy-your-rights.thtml 

  • Anonymous says:

    Gone back to work and from October 1st til 20th was holiday entitlement. Would I still get SMP on top?

    Editor: I’m afraid we will need more information to respond. Are you pregnant and if so how pregnant are you? You need to respond via our Advice and Support/Q & A page box as then we have your email and our experts can get back to you if they need any further information.

  • Anonymous says:

    Gone back to work and from October 1st til 20th was holiday entitlement. Would I still get SMP on top?

    Editor: I’m afraid we will need more information to respond. Are you pregnant and if so how pregnant are you? You need to respond via our Advice and Support/Q & A page box as then we have your email and our experts can get back to you if they need any further information.

  • Anonymous says:

    Gone back to work and from October 1st til 20th was holiday entitlement. Would I still get SMP on top?

    Editor: I’m afraid we will need more information to respond. Are you pregnant and if so how pregnant are you? You need to respond via our Advice and Support/Q & A page box as then we have your email and our experts can get back to you if they need any further information.

  • Anonymous says:

    Hi I was made redundant 6 weeks after returning from maternity leave (SMP). I have since found out that I am pregnant again and I am very scared that I will not be able to manage. I have been employed for more than 26 weeks in the 66 week test period, but some of this time I was on maternity leave.

    I am very worried because I was refused JSA today because I was not employed for 2 consecutive tax years (my last job was for two partial tax years and one complete one.

    Thanks very much

    Editor: Can you send any questions requiring advice from our experts via our Advice and Support/Q and A page box so that we have your email and can ask follow-up questions. I am not sure what your question is from this comment. Is it about JSA, SMP or other benefit entitlements. How pregnant were you when you were made redundant?

  • Anonymous says:

    Hi I was made redundant 6 weeks after returning from maternity leave (SMP). I have since found out that I am pregnant again and I am very scared that I will not be able to manage. I have been employed for more than 26 weeks in the 66 week test period, but some of this time I was on maternity leave.

    I am very worried because I was refused JSA today because I was not employed for 2 consecutive tax years (my last job was for two partial tax years and one complete one.

    Thanks very much

    Editor: Can you send any questions requiring advice from our experts via our Advice and Support/Q and A page box so that we have your email and can ask follow-up questions. I am not sure what your question is from this comment. Is it about JSA, SMP or other benefit entitlements. How pregnant were you when you were made redundant?

  • Anonymous says:

    Hi I was made redundant 6 weeks after returning from maternity leave (SMP). I have since found out that I am pregnant again and I am very scared that I will not be able to manage. I have been employed for more than 26 weeks in the 66 week test period, but some of this time I was on maternity leave.

    I am very worried because I was refused JSA today because I was not employed for 2 consecutive tax years (my last job was for two partial tax years and one complete one.

    Thanks very much

    Editor: Can you send any questions requiring advice from our experts via our Advice and Support/Q and A page box so that we have your email and can ask follow-up questions. I am not sure what your question is from this comment. Is it about JSA, SMP or other benefit entitlements. How pregnant were you when you were made redundant?

  • Anonymous says:

    Hi, my wife is full time for the same employer for a year, another person is due a month before her, she will be on the initial six weeks pay then 50% of her salary for the remainder.
    My wife has been informed she will be on 90% then Stat SMP for the remainder.
    Q: Is this right? (one rule for one)

    Editor: Does her company have an additional maternity pay policy? SMP is 90% of pay for six weeks then the remaining 33 weeks is at £135.45 a week or 90% of average weekly earnings (whichever is lower).

  • Anonymous says:

    Hi, my wife is full time for the same employer for a year, another person is due a month before her, she will be on the initial six weeks pay then 50% of her salary for the remainder.
    My wife has been informed she will be on 90% then Stat SMP for the remainder.
    Q: Is this right? (one rule for one)

    Editor: Does her company have an additional maternity pay policy? SMP is 90% of pay for six weeks then the remaining 33 weeks is at £135.45 a week or 90% of average weekly earnings (whichever is lower).

  • Anonymous says:

    Hi, my wife is full time for the same employer for a year, another person is due a month before her, she will be on the initial six weeks pay then 50% of her salary for the remainder.
    My wife has been informed she will be on 90% then Stat SMP for the remainder.
    Q: Is this right? (one rule for one)

    Editor: Does her company have an additional maternity pay policy? SMP is 90% of pay for six weeks then the remaining 33 weeks is at £135.45 a week or 90% of average weekly earnings (whichever is lower).

  • Anonymous says:

    I am on a casual fixed-term contract which is due to end on the 31st December. My baby is due at the start of the following May. Am I entitled to any SMP benefits?

    Editor – See https://www.workingmums.co.uk/advice-and-support/q-and-a/all/6437403/selfemployed-maternity-rights-ask-the-expert.thtml. If you require further help, go to the Advice and Support/Q and A box.

  • Anonymous says:

    I am on a casual fixed-term contract which is due to end on the 31st December. My baby is due at the start of the following May. Am I entitled to any SMP benefits?

    Editor – See https://www.workingmums.co.uk/advice-and-support/q-and-a/all/6437403/selfemployed-maternity-rights-ask-the-expert.thtml. If you require further help, go to the Advice and Support/Q and A box.

  • Anonymous says:

    I am on a casual fixed-term contract which is due to end on the 31st December. My baby is due at the start of the following May. Am I entitled to any SMP benefits?

    Editor – See https://www.workingmums.co.uk/advice-and-support/q-and-a/all/6437403/selfemployed-maternity-rights-ask-the-expert.thtml. If you require further help, go to the Advice and Support/Q and A box.

  • Anonymous says:

    Hi, I am self employed and so claimed maternity allowance, I am now back at work (self employed) and want to try for another baby- will I be able to get maternity allowance again? What are the rules?

    Editor: Click here for information on maternity allowance.

  • Anonymous says:

    Hi, I am self employed and so claimed maternity allowance, I am now back at work (self employed) and want to try for another baby- will I be able to get maternity allowance again? What are the rules?

    Editor: Click here for information on maternity allowance.

  • Anonymous says:

    Hi, I am self employed and so claimed maternity allowance, I am now back at work (self employed) and want to try for another baby- will I be able to get maternity allowance again? What are the rules?

    Editor: Click here for information on maternity allowance.

  • Anonymous says:

    I have been working for an agency for just under 2 years in the same position at the same place. Do I qualify for maternity pay as a long term temp?

    Editor: The following link should help you -http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/MoneyTaxAndBenefits/BenefitsTaxCreditsAndOtherSupport/Expectingorbringingupchildren/DG_175884 

  • Anonymous says:

    I have been working for an agency for just under 2 years in the same position at the same place. Do I qualify for maternity pay as a long term temp?

    Editor: The following link should help you -http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/MoneyTaxAndBenefits/BenefitsTaxCreditsAndOtherSupport/Expectingorbringingupchildren/DG_175884 

  • Anonymous says:

    I have been working for an agency for just under 2 years in the same position at the same place. Do I qualify for maternity pay as a long term temp?

    Editor: The following link should help you -http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/MoneyTaxAndBenefits/BenefitsTaxCreditsAndOtherSupport/Expectingorbringingupchildren/DG_175884 

    • Jayne says:

      Hi,
      I started my new permanent full time job on 20th April 2015. Then got pregnant just over 3 months later which me and my husband are happy about.

      By the time I am due to go on maternity leave I will have been there nearly year. I would just like to ask will I be entitled to any maternity pay? I don’t quite understand all policies. I would be really grateful for some advice please.
      Many thanks
      Jayne

  • Anonymous says:

    hi
    my SMP is soon to start and I want to start my own business, can I still claim SMP from my employer?

    Editor: As long as you were working for your employer in the 15th week before your due date you will get SMP based on your average wages at the time.

  • Anonymous says:

    hi
    my SMP is soon to start and I want to start my own business, can I still claim SMP from my employer?

    Editor: As long as you were working for your employer in the 15th week before your due date you will get SMP based on your average wages at the time.

  • Anonymous says:

    hi
    my SMP is soon to start and I want to start my own business, can I still claim SMP from my employer?

    Editor: As long as you were working for your employer in the 15th week before your due date you will get SMP based on your average wages at the time.

  • Anonymous says:

    Hi, my name is Pat and I’ve been on maternity leave since last August, but this month I did not get paid. For how long are we entitled maternity leave pay?

    Editor: If you are talking about SMP, your entitlements last for 39 weeks.

  • Anonymous says:

    Hi, my name is Pat and I’ve been on maternity leave since last August, but this month I did not get paid. For how long are we entitled maternity leave pay?

    Editor: If you are talking about SMP, your entitlements last for 39 weeks.

  • Anonymous says:

    Hi, my name is Pat and I’ve been on maternity leave since last August, but this month I did not get paid. For how long are we entitled maternity leave pay?

    Editor: If you are talking about SMP, your entitlements last for 39 weeks.


Post a comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Your Franchise Selection

Click the button below to register your interest with all the franchises in your selection

Request FREE Information Now

Your Franchise Selection

This franchise opportunity has been added to your franchise selection

image

title

Click the button below to register your interest with all the franchises in your selection

Request FREE Information Now


You may be interested in these similar franchises