Maternity Policy

[SeverineH]

Hello,

I am 15 weeks pregnant for the first time so I am very excited but the joy is been spoiled since I read the maternity policy of the company I have been working. I have working for a private company for almost 20 months in a middle management position and I will be entitled to 6 weeks only of maternity pay at 90% of average earnings and 33 weeks of SMP. I want to appeal and would like to benchmark my company's maternity policy with other companies. I am wondering if you wouldn't mind telling me who you work for and what maternity pay your company currently offers. All answers will be highly appreciated!

Many Thanks,

Severine

I am really sorry, but there is no right of appeal, and lots of companies only pay statutory maternity pay.

You could try and convince them to pay you more- effectively like a bonus- or change the policy, but it's not something you can 'appeal' I'm afraid.

That sounds pretty normal. Unless you were public sector, which tends to be more generous.

The first 6 months is slightly different to the second as well, as your employer can offer an equivalent job not necessarily the same if you go back in the second 6 months. Or something like that.

I work for a private training provider and have been there 10 years, also currently in middle management and have exactly the same entitlement as you. I saved like crazy for the first one throughout pregnancy to top up the smp and am doing the same this time also!

as Galaxy said - you get what you get. I worked for my company for 13 years and only got 10 weeks. i think NHS is 6 weeks too. much as you would love more, its not out of line with others. it seems to be one extreme or another, i do know some companies that offer very generous terms for the whole of your leave but that is set out in your contract. It would be impossible for a company to change its policy just cos you ask, imagine what would happen if anyone else found out, and furture payment to others.

Count yourself lucky. I get ma only as I am self employed and in other countries they get nothing. Guess you could try and negotiate.

I work for a private company, 14 years, senior management, also only get statutory - is normal, and no grounds for appeal. Sorry!

Agree with others - no right to appeal. By the way, what were you expecting it to be, has it changed at all since you joined etc?

Re tilder's point: for six months, you have the right to return to the same role, for the second six months, you have the right to return to the same job if available/practical and to a job with similar terms and conditions if not.

Useful link:
www.adviceguide.org.uk/england/work_e/work_time_off_work_e/maternity_leave.htm

Yep, that's exactly what I'd get.

Erm, 20 months is not that long to have worked for a company before you disappear for up to a year.

As others have said, this is your statutory entitlement and you have no right to appeal it.

I am somewhat boggled by this query.

I work for a huge global company with many different sectors in the uk and I get exactly the same!! It's rubbish but nothing you can do I'm afraid. You better get saving!

That's exactly what I get. Have been saving like crazy since I got the BFP. Had only just made the switch from being self employed however, so I feel lucky to get anything! Guess it's all perspective, will be such a blow if you're not expecting it. Get a contingency plan in place, feeling back in control will help you feel more positive I'm sure x

Really normal to have statutory maternity pay (6 weeks 90% of wages and 33 weeks stat maternity pay).

I work in HR and it is really common to not offer anything more.

I have come across a maternity policy which pays above the stat minimum but with a huge 'tie in' clause - either paying back if they don't return to work, or trying to get them to return to work earlier at 6 months, in return for a higher package.

You can write a letter to your bosses, you have nothing to loose, but I wouldn't hold your breath that they'll change the policy for you.

I worked in the public sector, so did get a more generous deal.

But from HR experience, I do not think there is a chance of 'appeal' against a company choosing to offer the statutory package only.

It may be worth trying to negotiate terms above the statutory minimum (you will need to demonstrate your value to the company, and show why it makes business sense for them). But anything above the statutory minimum can be made conditional upon your returning to work for a set period, else it become repayable. That might prove awkward to budget for domestically.

I work for an investment bank and thats what we get! What did you expect to get? Just wondering...

As others have said, your situation is normal.

If you want to be able to do something effective about it, I would suggest finding out from friends/acquaintances (or more nefarious means like head hunters) what comparable businesses in your industry in your location offer, then you can at least go to your bosses and let them know if they are offering something below-market.

I get that plus weeks 7-18 at 50% pay (state teacher). But, I have to go back to work for 13 weeks at the end of maternity otherwise I have to pay the 50% bit back.

FYI my pay is the same as noble's, though I am private sector.

I work for an NHS trust. I get 8 weeks full pay, 8 weeks half pay then SMP up until the baby is 9 months. After that I get nothing as I expect they want me to go back to work.

Looking at what others are getting it doesn't sound so bad.

Well some companies are more generous. My company (a large bank) offers 6 months full pay and then 3 months on SMP. I think you have to go back to work for at least 6 months afterwards or you have to pay it back. Am not tempted to go for a third (started working here after having my 2) though.

Agree - you are getting what you are legally entitled to. You will be in the same position as the vast majority of workers. Exactly what I got (work for a law firm)

There is no obligation to take maternity leave though - you are only obliged to take 2 weeks off after the birth (4 if you were in a factory)

If you can't afford/don't wish to take longer off then you don't have to.

Gosh, that's a good deal nulgirl. Quite unusual in the UK to get anything so generous.

That's fairly standard and all I got. There are some companies with fantastic maternity policies but they are few and far between.

I think Accenture offer a whole year on full pay, if you are looking for great examples. And I think British Airways offer 6 months full pay, because during one of my pregnancies I was working with people from there and they assumed that that was what I'd be getting (hahahahahahaha. No.)

I know it is very generous. Don't think it applies to all parts of my company. I believe they introduced it a few years ago to try to attract and retain their female workforce. They also offer an additional 10 days holiday in the first year after mat leave to cover things like settling in at nursery. Now all they have to do is change the crazy hours culture and the complete lack of part time job opportunities and it would be the perfect family friendly environment.

What hermione said. Honestly you've been there 5 minutes and want to negotiate once you're already pregnant? The time to negotiate was at the recruitment stage. You have zero bargaining power now. Did you give any thought to maternity pay when considering who to work for? Particularly as it really wasn't that long ago?

I know that sounds harsh but if you feel you are hard done by (and you're really not!) it will make you feel bad and really take the shine of what should be a really special time for you.