Maternity leave after maternity leave

[babyfloof]

Does anyone know what happens if you get pregnant while on maternity leave?

Say for instance you are 12 weeks pregnant when you go back, are you entitled to maternity pay still. I know that basically to get maternity leave pay you have to have been employed with the company around about the time you conceived.

My maternity leave is quite generous with full pay for 6 months and I know no one can say without reading my contract but if I went back after maternity leave would it be common to still be entitled to that full 6 months full pay.

DH and I planned on one child so waited until a bit later in life, but now I've had one I really want to give her a sibling so want to start trying as soon as we can but I want to be aware of our finances before we do.

My work are pretty good so I don't think they would be annoyed with me coming back and announcing a second pregnancy (assuming we are lucky a second time round - and actually I think they are sort of expecting it) and I'm aware I could be taking the piss but a second pregnancy is going to happen whether it's now or in a years time (again, assuming we are lucky again) and I've been with them for years and have no plans to leave besides maternity leave..

Maternity benefits aren’t usually contractual. You should have a maternity policy that details it.

"beeyourself

Some places say you have to have returned from mat leave for one year before being entitled to another enhanced mat leave package."
That sounds as though it could be discriminatory. Could be wrong.

@StealthPolarBear

Why would it be discriminatory? Bear in mind this is around eligibility for enhanced mat pay and not SMP.

It’s not discriminatory. 🙄

Probably not but it just struck me. The only people affected will be those who have small children. No need for an eye roll, I suspect you're probably right.

@Shelley54

Maternity benefits aren’t usually contractual. You should have a maternity policy that details it.

Sorry, yes I mean the policy not the contract.

@babyfloof I’d ask HR for a copy of the policy (I work in HR). Say you wanted to check about notice needed for return to work or want to find out about KIT days or wanted to check on how your holidays accrue. They should send it to you.

At my employer, six months pay is offered on the provision that you rain with the employer for twelve months after your return. From a couple of people o know on your experience, if an individual needs to take maternity pay within that twelve month gap, they can opt to have statutory pay or to take full pay and accrue the “remain with the employer” pay at the end. So if you returned to work three months pregnant, and then needed to take maternity leave after six months, when you returned to work after the second maternity leave, assuming you opted for full pay scheme, you would be bound to stay with the employer for eighteen months on your return to work.

Thanks @ConstanzaAndSalieri I have no reason to believe I wouldn't be working for my employer for the next 5-10 years so that's useful.

After speaking to DH I think we have decided to wait until just after Christmas as life has been a bit of whirlwind in the last 3 years and we really need to catch our breath a bit.

Thanks all for your help