SMP

[SHHHHsantaiscoming]

My friend is also pregnant but its her first and she is still working (although on sick leave atm)
She works for the council and the maternity package sounds brill with around 90% pay for 6 month and up a year off..........but.......she must return after a year (max) or she needs to pay back some of the pay.

ATM she is not intending on returning and is declining the offer of 90% mat pay so she doesn't have to pay any of it back later...She needs to know does she qualify for smp. I say yes as its given from the government and anyone working is entitled to it but she is not sure..can any one advise further or at least point me/her in the right direction..??

As far as I'm aware she will qualify for SMP. You might find some of the information here useful.

thanks cb. Will let her know..Hows the baby doing..? You are due the same time as me..I think..!!! Im end of jan..

If she has been working for (i think) 6 months with the same employer (and being on sick leave counts as working) she will be entitled to SMP, which she won't have to pay back if she subsequently leaves her job. Any extra she takes on top of the SMP will have to be paid back.

You also need to earn £86 per week for SMP - if not - what nuttygirl said but will qualify for Maternity Allowance instead and it isn't subject to tax or NI. I only work 1 1/2 days so will get MA. Still get nine months like SMP too. It works out as £108 per week or 90% if you earn less than this - can also be paid monthly or weekly. Check when need to apply.

You also need to earn £86 per week for SMP - if not - what nuttygirl said but will qualify for Maternity Allowance instead and it isn't subject to tax or NI. I only work 1 1/2 days so will get MA. Still get nine months like SMP too. It works out as £108 per week or 90% if you earn less than this - can also be paid monthly or weekly. Check when need to apply.

thanks everyone. I told her she is entitled to smp as she works full time and has been with the current employer for over 6 months.
Also looking at the link CB gave it appears that she does get one or the other and needs to tell her employer what her intentions are.
I have told her to tell them that and that only and that she doesn't have to give what her intentions will be once baby arrives (intends to finish work). Where she is working doesn't sound nice or helpful at all..

Thanks again