Really hoping someone can tell me I am entitled to a refund, but deep down I fear I've lost this money. But here goes ...
I returned to work following a 12 month period of maternity leave. After 6 months (in March 2010, ie. almost 1 year ago) I decided to leave (IMO my boss totally sidelined me by, eg. giving all the key projects to my maternity cover, who was retained on my return. I could go on but ...)
But, the point is, for each of the 6 months I'd salary sacrificed the max amount (£243) per month, but for various reasons hadn't spent many of the childcare vouchers. I didn't think this would be a problem because, on returning to work, I had no intention of leaving - I'd worked for the company (voluntary sector) for 7 years, was well respected by everyone there and really enjoyed my job. So, I thought I'd end up spending the vouchers at some point, including when baby no 2 came along.
Anyway, due to the stressful circumstances under which I left my employer (I was actually signed off work for two weeks towards the end) I didn't think about the vouchers, other than to ensure I left the scheme. At no point was I offered any reminder to say I had to use up the vouchers within 3 months following termination of employment which, as it turns out, is one of the terms and conditions of the scheme. If I had, I would have had some discussion with my employer because when I left employement, I had no need for childcare, so wouldn't have been able to spend the vouchers anyway.
Well, I've now been told by the scheme operator that it's a matter for my former employer. And my former employer has basically said that the vouchers are now not valid and there's nothing that can be done. Which is a shame (to put it mildly) because I'm expecting baby no 2, am v skint because I've had my confidence knocked and have only managed to earn a little by going freelance and was relying on the vouchers to help out a bit this time round.
Surely someone, somewhere, has my money. And shouldn't I be entitled to have it back?
Just doesn't seem fair to me ...
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Just found out I've lost £1k worth of childcare vouchers - urgent advice welcome!
6 replies
cremedelacreme · 09/02/2011 21:51
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