On NHS mat leave- not eligible for pay point increase?

[postitnote8]

In March this year I reached the top pay point for band 5 (4+ years), but my salary has not been reflecting the increase and I've been trying to get it sorted since then. I'm now being told by the Pay Progression team that since I'm on maternity leave, and my payments are based on my earnings prior to maternity leave (the 2-4 year bracket), my new pay point isn't effective until I return.

Has anybody else been in a similar situation, because this isn't what I expected and the NHS Ts&Cs handbook states:

"ii) in the event of a pay award or move to a higher pay point being implemented during the paid maternity leave period, the maternity pay due from the date of the pay award or new pay point should be increased accordingly. If such a pay award was agreed retrospectively the maternity pay should be re-calculated on the same basis;"

And from RCN: "Absence due to maternity, paternity or long-term sickness should not prevent a pay step point and should be automatically applied."

Presuming your in a union, Contact your union rep they should be able to advise you better

They can't do that. You should be receiving the increase while you're on maternity leave. Email NHS Employers

Thanks for your responses. Just the boost i needed to reply and tell them to double check that and correct it!

The Alabaster ruling applies, you should get the increase and your maternity pay should be adjusted accordingly.

Absolutely shocking coming from the NHS!

I know! It's obviously a case of discrimination and say what you like about NHS pay, you'd hope that they'd at least get this right and not treat someone on maternity leave unfavourably compared to their peers.

Yeah, right?! I'm hoping it's just someone inexperienced (in HR, nonetheless!)