Organising Maternity Leave With Employer

[Susmcc]

Hi guys,

As I am the first woman to join the company I work for (a small tech company) they didn't have a clear maternity policy in place. My boss told me just to let him know with enough notice if I plan on or do fall pregnant to give them time to get a package in place. I was quite sick from 6-11 weeks so had to tell my boss at 6 weeks (also giving plenty of time). He had said that they would 'top up' my maternity leave payments as he understands it's a lot less than I earn etc. But didn't give exact figures as it was so early. We wouldn't be able to survive on my husbands wage and the state mat leave. I'm just wondering how soon is too soon to pester him for an exact answer / get something on paper. I'm only 15 weeks but I feel like I need to start financially planning

I would ask now, just say you need to starting working out your money financially as you have lots to buy for baby. Just be polite about it and hopefully they give you a rough idea

Personally I would do all your financial plans based on statutory only. Anything else is a bonus. Speaking from experience, your boss is likely to have spoken without any real thought. Once he goes through the figures of paying you, recruiting for and paying for your replacement etc I wouldn't hold your breath for much more than statutory.

Look into things like mortgage payment holidays etc and start putting away as much of your salary as you can every month. If you want 10 months off with baby you probably need to save in the region of £5000 to top up statutory maternity. Don't buy any baby stuff new other than materesses and car seat. Visiting local nearly new baby sales etc. Congratulations