When does smp start if you are on the sick?

[mummytopebs]

I am 24 weeks pregnant and my blood pressure has gone up, i had pre-eclamsia with my 1st child and have been told to rest. I have to ring consultant tomorrow, if they put me on the sick when will my smp start, i have looked at the website but seems to contradict itself - would it kick in 11 weeks before edd or 4 weeks?

[hoops997]

I have just had my meeting with work to discuss this and the way I see it is........you can go on Maternity leave ie start SMP 11 weeks before your EDD and if you go sick in this period they pay you sick pay but if you have a pregnancy related illness within 4 weeks of your EDD you automtically go on your Maternity leave........hope this is clear as mud !!

[llareggub]

36 weeks

[mummytopebs]

hoops so does that mean i could claim sick pay till 36 weeks? Cos my sick pay is more than smp

[hoops997]

not sure, I have left all my paperwork at work, but will have a look tomorrow and let you know if you like, I know also that you have to give your employer 28 days notice of when you intend to go on Mat Leave.......

[Issy42]

You can choose to start your SMP at 29 weeks but you can only be forced to start it 4 weeks before due date, so yes you can stay on sick leave until 36 weeks.

[llareggub]

Yes, you can claim SSP until 36 weeks when your employer can trigger your maternity pay. You can choose to go at 29 weeks if you want.