Intention to take mat leave- gone past 'deadline'...

[Tigerstar123]

Hi ladies, hope you're all well.
I informed my manager I was pg as soon as I found out (as was hospitalised due to issues).
Since that time, I've had a change in manager, but they also knew I was pg.
Last week I had my midwife appt and given my matb1 form. I emailed manager asking what to do.
Response that was that I have to fill in intention to take mat leave form. Form says to complete before 15th week. I am 14 weeks...
Has anyone else filled in the form 'late'? What can happen if filled in late? Am so upset and panicked and stressing now that I won't get paid xxx

[SweepTheHalls]

I filled in the form at 28 weeks, as no one told me about any forms 😀

[ThinkAboutItTomorrow]

I think it is 15 weeks before you plan to take mat leave. Not at week 15.

[MrsCrimshaw]

You have to inform your employer by week 25 ie 15 weeks before your due date. Don't panic!

[Tigerstar123]

Sorry, just to clarify I'm 14 weeks to my due date so 26 weeks pg. Hence the panic!
Sweep, did it not cause any problems filling so late?
I'm hoping they will be reasonable as this was first time I was aware of this magic form xxx

[Junosmum]

It's 15 weeks before due date unless not reasonably practicable. It wasn't practicable for you to do it before, as you didn't have the MATB1 form! Do it asap and you'll be fine.

[Me624]

Tiger I am 25 weeks today and don't have my matb1 form yet from the midwife. I spoke to HR today just in case it was a problem and they said do not work at all it's really just a guideline and that I should fill in the form and give it to them whenever I get the matb1 from the midwife. Sure your company will be fine about it.

[Tigerstar123]

Ahh, thanks all. Was worried that I'd be told I'd get no pay as didn't fill in on time! Will fill in and send Monday and keep fingers crossed no one in hr notices..! Xxx

[SweepTheHalls]

None at all

[Pollyputhtekettleon]

Most remember to pick up mine on Tuesday. I'll be 38 wks.....

[GiraffesAndButterflies]

Oh shit, must do that. Thanks for reminder OP. I'm 29 weeks

Last time my doctor's receptionist told me the form was supposed to be posted to the DWP and that she would do that for me. Work eventually chased me up for it and explained that that was incorrect, and I had to get another. Didn't cause any issues.

[WorzelsCornyBrows]

It's 25 weeks. I couldn't even get a Matb1 form until my 24 week appointments so I couldn't have possibly handed them to HR at 15 weeks.

[Runningupthathill82]

Telling your employer by 25weeks isn't a blanket rule in the UK. At my work - major public sector employer, employing thousands - you have to inform HR in writing 28 days before you intend to start your mat leave. I did tell my manager verbally before that though.

And in any pregnancy other than your first, you probably wouldn't have your MATB1 form at 25weeks (unless you'd made special arrangements) as you don't have a midwife appt between 16 and 28 weeks. Obvious exceptions for consultant- led care etc.

[Junosmum]

If you're hr is anything like mine the form will sit in an in tray for weeks before anyone looks at it!

[TwigsWithStupidLittleLightsOn]

I had this panic too. I just got in touch with HR, explained and they were fine. It's all being processed as far as I'm aware

[catkind]

Yeah don't worry. My employer said the same, didn't get given matb1 till 28 week appointment, everything fine.

[Tigerstar123]

Ahh, thanks everyone for the responses. Much appreciated! I'll stop panicking about that now (but no doubt start about something else!) Xxx