To move jobs solely because of maternity pay?

[Wombat100]

I like my job and I’m happy there but the company I work for offer zero maternity benefits - I would just get statutory pay. I’m thinking of moving jobs imminently purely so that I can go to a company which offers a good maternity package.

I feel like that’s reasonable but also I feel a bit cheeky moving somewhere if I know I’m planning (hoping) to go on mat leave in the next couple of years. I kind of feel bad for the new place, because they’ll take me on and then quite quickly potentially lose me for up to a year?

Otherwise - how do people afford to take maternity leave?

(If it’s relevant, I work in an industry where it’s not that easy to find short term maternity cover)

I think that's fair enough, most people consider the whole package when they take a job - at our company they tell you about the various benefits you can have during the interview, so you're aware of everything and can make a decision. And if you're a loyal employee and you leave because of that maybe it will make them reconsider how they approach maternity pay in future.

Go for it!

Yes do it. Employer who employ women in there there 20s and 30s are aware their is a potential for them to go on maternity leave.

If you are young and newly married or in a long term relationship that likelihood increases.

One (awful) employer had a "ranked list" If women they were expecting to request maternity leave for their first or second child. I'm sure most other ha have a mental list somewhere but wouldn't ever share those thoughts.

I know this because a lovely colleague can back from one Mat leave then a month later went to tell awful boss about the fact she was again expecting and the awful boss said something along the lines of "ah yes you were in my list"

Yes, plus I would make a point of telling current employer that one of the reasons you are leaving is their maternity benefits policy - they need to know why they are losing employees

@Katff & @wannabeamummysobad - I can't work out the numbers as to whether better or not but in the company I worked for I got 12 weeks full salary , then SMP - then once back at work a 25% uplift on salary for 2 years. DH's company offers 6 months full pay. But in both cases I think a minimum of 2 years employment.

Well just a couple of examples but I would encourage anyone to read the small print about how long you need to have worked to qualify.

It may shock you but there are some good employers who know you can’t discriminate.

Shock horror we also promote women on maternity leave.

However, the number of people who don’t qualify for SMP because they start TTC when they get the job rather than waiting a month after they start. Sadly if they don’t qualify we can’t pay it so they get an SMP1 to claim MA.

It’s called workforce planning.

@BasiliskStare doing basic sums based on £4k pcm take home pay pre maternity leave

Opt 1: 52 weeks Mat leave apportioned as 12weeks full pay then SMP for 40 remaining week.

25% salary increase for 2 years on return

Maternity earnings : £4k x 3months ie weeks = £12k
SMP: £150 x40 weeks= £6k
Returning pay uplift (2yrs) :£1k x24 months =£24k. Taxed 40% because you are now on £5k pcm therefore uplift is £14.4k

Standard return salary: £4k x24 months =£96k

Total earnings over 3 years £123.6

Opt 2: 52 weeks Mat leave apportioned as 6 months/24 weeks full pay followed by 28 weeks SMP

Maternity earnings : £4k x 6 months ie weeks = £24k
SMP: £150 x28 weeks= £4.2k
Returning pay uplift (2hrs) :£nilk
Standard return salary: £4k x24 months =£96k

Total earnings over 3 years £124.2k

Assuming you are a higher rate tax payer/ the uplift isn't included in bonus calcs etc you are (marginally) better off getting 6 months full maternity pay instead of a 2 year 25% uplift

@BasiliskStare oops posted under wrong name 🤣

Completely normal OP, don't feel the least bit bad.

I did the same moving from a job that only offered statutory to one that offered 6 months full pay.

Companies know full well it's one of the benefits that can help attract and keep good staff.

@reno2022 - Thank you for that - you have a better maths brain I do. ( by far ) But I had worked for the co. for 7 years and was not inclined to move. But good to know I was only marginally worse off that others. It was the offer at the time and actually getting the 25% monthly helped with childcare etc because I had in my mind apportioned it to childcare . 💐