Starting a little business from home while on mat leave

[eeyore12]

Hi I am currently on mat leave 3 months in of 9. And would love to re start teaching baby massage and making handmade wedding invites etc but not sure I can while on mat leave. I would need to re register as self employed for these things. But if I do that will my mat pay end?

Thanks

[flowery]

Are you on SMP only? If so, you can do as much self employed work as you like without losing it.

You do need to check your contract or staff handbook to find out whether you are allowed to do this without jeopardising your employment or any extra maternity pay you may be getting from your employer. Many organisations have restrictions on what you can do in terms of earning money outside employment.

[eeyore12]

Ok great thanks. Yes only on smp. I am a nanny so nothing in my contract about outside work etc.