SMP 26 week rule

[maggsattack]

hey everyone! I have one of those questions I should go to HR about but I'm waiting to tell work after I get my nuchal scan in a few weeks.

I work for the BBC and the standard rule applies: to get SMP you need to have worked for the company for at least 26 weeks on the 15th week before your due date

I just calculated, I'll be on 23/24 weeks 0_o

before this job I was at the same company but in a freelance position for over 9 months, which apparently doesnt count

so my question is

1. does anyone know if companies sometimes let a couple of weeks slide out of goodwill (lol, here's hoping)

2. do ppl ever lie about their due date to get access to SMP

thank you!

The company could choose to make a discretionary payment to you if they wanted but I wouldn't rely on that. In order to access SMP you'll need to supply a MAT1B form which confirms your EWC (Expected Week of Childbirth) so it won't be possible to lie about your due date.

You should look into Maternity Allowance as based on what you say you may qualify for this instead of SMP. It's not quite as much as SMP (you don't get the first 6 weeks at 90%) but it's better than nothing.

Does the BBC have a contractual maternity policy that applies over and above statutory?

www.gov.uk/maternity-allowance

thank you so much for your reply

when you say: Does the BBC have a contractual maternity policy that applies over and above statutory?

what does that mean???

I know they have their own MP yes...

Some companies pay more than they are obliged to pay by Government rules. How a company operates any discretionary policy is up to them so they may be more flexible on that front. I wouldn't rely on it at all but I would discuss it with HR to see if there is any flex.

In order to apply for SMP you will need a MATB1 certificate that is filled out by your midwife who writes you due date on it so no option to lie about your due date I'm afraid. Is it possible that the date could change when you have your scan?