Maternity pay

[cangaroo]

I just wondered if anyone could give me advice about maternity pay.

I have worked in the NHS for several years. My husband has been offered a job in another city, and I would have to give up my job when I go on maternity leave. Am I entitled to any maternity benefits from my employer if I do not intend to come back after my leave?

Any advice would be gratefully received. Thanks very much!

[KEAWYED]

I work for the NHS and anything extra I receive after 6 or 8 weeks on top of the SMP I would have to pay back if I didnt return to work.

I had forms I could fill in saying if I would be returning or not.

You would be entitled to the 6 months of SMP I think.

[dal21]

Yes you are entitled to benefits. You can now continue to accrue benefits - pensions, healthcare package, holidays for not only your ordinary maternity leave but also your additional maternity leave - so for a total of 12 months. SMP (Stat maternity pay) is paid for 39 weeks.

And you are well within your rights to not return to work having accrued these. Ypu just have to give the minimum notice (in my contract is 8 weeks)

[cangaroo]

Thanks very much Keawyed. Do you know how I would have to pay it back - would it be all in one go or in installments?

[cangaroo]

Thanks Dal - that is really helpful

[KEAWYED]

If you know you are not going back you can ask them to pay you the basic SMP.

Unless they take it all back out of your last wage, not sure how they can force you to pay the money back if i'm honest.

I know you can still accrue holidays etc for your leave.

Can you not transfer to another NHS job?
Meant to say 9 months of paid SMP sorry.

[Vanessa78]

Has anyone experienced maternity pay within a small private business?

I'm 20 weeks pregnant, the clock is ticking and I still haven't spoke with my employers about maternity pay due to slow business and am hoping the work will pick up, to allow me to ask for a more substantial maternity package.

I'm the only woman at work and we have no HR. My employers will have no clue where to start, (well, until I make my demands and they seek advice themselves).

I helped set the business up 2 years ago and am a co-founder of the company. I would like to request 4 months full pay... is this too greedy?

I've looked on lots of government and topical forums but can't find anyone else in a similar position and I'm struggling

Please help - Huge thanks in advance!!

[alfiesmadmother]

And another question if anyone in the know reads this!! When I am over 29 weeks do I have to give my notice period or can I just leave? Work is incredibly stressful at the moment and thinking of leaving early