Maternity Leave/Pay

[Staceyk]

I know this is really personal question, and although most of you are quiet willing to discuss all the ins & outs of bodily functions, money is always a sensative subject! It's just I work for a company whos head office is in America, there is just myself and one other lady (director in name only) in the UK office, me and this other lady are extremely good friends. Anyway I have asked my Head office to give me something in writing about maternity pay (they are a dodgy lot!! My previous UK based company paid everyone 6 months full pay. I was just wondering what others have received? and how long you stayed off on maternity leave?

Popsy - from what I can gather from collaegue who is due on mat leave soon:

Weeks 1-4 at full pay (including SMP)
Weeks 5-6 on 90% (including SMP)
Weeks 7-18 on half pay (with SMP on top, but not going over normal full - or is it 90% - pay)
Weeks 19-29 - no teacher's scheme; just SMP

My advice would be to find a good employment lawyer asap. I was made redundant when I was due to return to work from maternity leave. There is a lot of legal protection for a woman in your position but the law is very complex. Normally you would seek to settle out of court and any payment would include a contribution to your legal fees. The Equal Opportunities Commission can give you some advice as to what the law provides and how you can seek to enforce it.
Good luck.

It's amazing what different companies offer isn't it.

I'll get 100% for 10 weeks followed by SMP for the remaining 16 weeks. You can then take 26 weeks unpaid additional maternity leave and up to 13 weeks (?) inpaid parental leave after that if needed. Holiday entitlement accurues throughout.

I wonder if that is more beneficial or less beneficial than some of the other packages on offer eg 6 weeks at 100% followed by 12 weeks at 50% etc. I think it is slightly better but I don't trust my maths!

Anyway it's all well and good getting 100% I just wish my salary was larger, period.

staceyk I just can't believe what's happened to you, and that there are still employers like that out there! good luck X