SMP and childcare vouchers after I hand in my notice?

[vanimal]

I am currently on maternity leave and recieve SMP. I also still get childcare vouchers, as per the change in law last year.

I am going to hand in my notice now, and still have 2 months of mat leave left.

I know that legally I should still get SMP till my 9-month period is over, but will I still get my childcare vouchers?

I would like to get the resignation out of the way, but don't want to miss out on 2 months worth of childcare vouchers.

Thanks in advance, and advice is greatly appreciated!

[MrsJamin]

I understand your need to close one section of your life, i.e. your old job, but there probably isn't a good reason why you shouldn't wait until the last day possible to hand in your notice (i.e. the day you're due back minus your notice period). You are also entitled to cash in your annual leave as well as receiving your childcare vouchers - get everything you are entitled to! In my last job I just managed to sneak past the bonus date too so I got a full months' annual leave (accrued over the year) plus bonus in the last pay packet - it's worth holding on if you can!

[vanimal]

Thanks Mrs Jamin, I have been thinking exactly the same all this time.

I am just getting a little nervous now, as an ex-colleague has asked me to do some freelance work for her. This is self-employed work, I know I am allowed to do this on mat leave (as I only get SMP).

But am nervous that my boss (soon to be ex-boss) will find out and be really pissed off about it. Not that it matters I suppose, I am within the law, am desperate for the extra cash, and I am leaving the job anyway.

Just thought if I resigned now, she would have less reason to be pissed off.

TBH she was a bit of a bitch to me and didn't really like me anyway, so would chose any reason to dig the knife in if she can.

Maybe I just need to grow some balls and see through mat leave, whilst doing freelance work on the side.

[MrsJamin]

Yeah I think you need to stick it out! Feelings just don't really come into it especially if you are leaving- and you don't like your boss! It does feel odd when you know you just want to tell people you're leaving but you'll be glad of the extra money. Freelance work sounds good if you can do it.

[flowerybeanbag]

If you are still on SMP you have at least 3 months more mat leave to go, which means 3 more months worth of holiday and childcare vouchers.

If you have already notified your boss that you want to go back earlier than a year, write and give her notice that you wish to extend your maternity leave to the full year.

Then, assuming your notice period is a month, one month before you are due back, hand in your notice. You will be entitled to be paid for annual leave accrued and not taken for the whole year, and receive childcare vouchers up until your last day.

If you resign earlier than a year, you will lose out on holiday pay and childcare vouchers - really not worth it.

[vanimal]

Flowerybeanbag, that is a great suggestion, thank you!

I will have to hope that she doesn't find out I am freelancing (it's quite a small industry), but I know it is legally ok at least.

Childcare vouchers are making all of the difference to me at the moment, SMP is just not enough to live off (I have 2 DDs).

I should just look after myself, I know she won't be doing me any favours.