Maternity pay entitlements.. when to start ttc...

[LindsayS]

Hi Mum's, m2b's, etc..

My husband and I have now got the baby bug - we would desperately love to start ttc, however I'm not sure what to do re: maternity pay. I have been with my company for 12 weeks tomorrow, and have searched in the staff handbook to no avail. It says all about SMP, and that'll be fine - I'll be covered for that, but what about my salary? I always had it in my head that I had to be with a company for 6 months before I could concieve, but it seems to be 6 months at 15 weeks before due date..

I appreciate each company is different, but I wondered if there was a general rule of thumb.. Daren't ask yet in case they don't let me complete my probation or something...

Thanks in advance

Linz x

SMP is your minimum legal entitlement , some companies are more generous but may attach conditions to any extra payments(which must eb statted at the outset). Pretty sure it is having been continuously employed for 26 weeks at the end of 24th week that counts for SMP. Also your intial SMP payments are based upon your average pay over specific weeks so I was fortunate to have a bonus payment included in that calculation. This may help and here

Rereading I'm not clear what you meant when you asked about your salary - SMP etc is your "salary" for that intial 26 week ( soon to become 39 week) Ordinary ML period then you retain the right to return the same job, salary, terms and conditions as before . If you have been employed for more than a year you also have the option to take up to 6 month additional ML unpaid.

Hi LizS

It's ok, I've spoken to my HR dept, who confirmed that we don't get anything on top of SMP.. Was hoping that my company might top up the SMP to 100% at least for the first 6 weeks, but not so generous..!!!

Have a great Chrismas, and all the best for 2007 - thanks for your help!!

x x x