Maternity Pay

[hejg283]

Hi, I just want some advise on maternity pay.

My partner and I are considering having our first child and we're both on relatively low income jobs (17k+18k) but don't have many outgoings. I've been at my current job for 3 years and no plans on leaving so I would benefit for the government pay of the £140 per week.

I wondered if anyone knows, if my employer offers maternity pay, is that on top of the SMP?

Also, if you are entitled to take 52 weeks off, is it that you only get SMP for 26?

I found some of the government website confusing so any help would be great!

Thank you.

SMP works as 6 weeks average income followed by 33 weeks of statutory pay which is your 140 pounds. Not sure if your employer is doing anything over and abovet the statutory pay, most likely they will just do statutory. Best thing to do ia request a maternity policy (if you can do) or if you have a handbook try to see in there.

The last 3 months of the 52 weeks maternity pay are usually unpaid, but obviously there's nothing stopping you going back earlier if you need to.

It can be basic SMP or what employers usually refer to as Enhanced maternity pay- what they mean is a package that's better than SMP.

But to answer your question your company's maternity pay may be "full salary for 6 months" - usually that means they top up your SMP so you end up with full pay for 6 months (rather than full pay + SMP if that makes sense). The other point to remember is that if you decide not to go back to work after your maternity leave, your employer can't reclaim your SMP but some employers say for example if you leave within a year of going back you have to repay any extra maternity pay you received.

Thank you, that all makes more sense now! Just don't want to be in a position where we can't afford things like our mortgage!