how can i get my maternity pay from employer?

[JanieLovesLuckySocks]

I'm am due my first baby in November and am beginning to get stressed about how / if I will get my maternity pay from my employer.

We are paid by weekly cheque on a Friday and I know that the 2 other girls who have been off on maternity leave have suffered greatly trying to get the stat maternity pay they are due. I know it's illegal not to pay but I don't think he is the most legit employer around.

I want to put it in writing to him so that I have something in writing, (we don't have contracts, I've been there 11yrs) as I want to know how and when I will get paid my smp. Surely he can't expect me to come in every Friday to pick up my pay and after others experiences I don't trust him to post it to me?

Any advice would be greatly received.

Why is it not paid directly into your bank?
Sounds like your employer may be a bit off if you have no contracts after 11 years (the fact that under Employment law you are covered anyway is beside the point)
Are your current pay slips all legit?
Did you get your P60 in time?

hi talkinpeace, thanks for your reply. I've no idea why we still get paid by cheque - it's just the way we get paid. i do have all my pay slips from the day i started although we haven't received our p60s. earlier this year i had to sort out my national insurance (following some great advice on here) and it is now up to date after discovering it hadn't been paid since 08/09.

yes he is a bit off to say the least, hence my worries about even getting SMP :( definitely a stress i don't need.

If you have not had your P60, he is breaking the law.
I'd suggest a quiet call to HMRC to get them to check your records are in order before you start SMP ....
if they are then all will be OK
if they are not, HMRC should be able to sort it for you

Thanks, yes I got everything in order when I had to sort out my NI so luckily that is all up to date. I'm just worried that he'll delay paying the smp that I'm due and cause me stress - going on other people's experiences in our office sadly.

if he does, report him. sorry but employers like that are best having their business taken over by somebody else

Yes unfortunately he thinks its ok to cause hassle and stress. Someday he'll get some if his own if he continues this way. Thanks