Can I change my maternity start date ?

[Ksi91]

I'm currently 31 weeks pregnant & set for maternity leave on 18th January 2021

This last week I've been diagnosed with PGP , & it's causing me agony - especially at work

On the flip side , I've also been yelled at for taking a extra 5 mins in breaks & for also having a sandwich on a shift where I wasn't entitled to a break ( I felt incredibly sick & had permission from my supervisor to do so )

So fighting through pain & sickness isn't worth it
My OH wants me to go on maternity 2 weeks earlier which would be 4th January

I can't find anything in my company handbook about changing the date & my personnel manager isn't in today.
Does anyone know the notice I have to give , if any , or if they can refuse ?

Thank you !!

I think your supposed to give at least 4 weeks notice, but you can take sick leave if your not well enough to be in work, they may well prefer to start your maternity leave earlier rather than pay you sick.

Oh and sorry your having a rubbish day!

Take sick leave

I would be inclined to take sick leave in your position. You don’t just fancy finishing early, you’re in pain! If you are off sick though a lot of employers can force you on to Mat leave 4 weeks prior to due date so keep that in mind.

Speak to your GP and get a sicknote to start asap.

It may spark your mat leave at 36 weeks (I think that's the date? But it sounds like you could do with the rest.

I would definitely speak to your GP and take sick leave! This is exactly what it's there for. You don't want to be starting your mat leave early as it's precious time.x

Thank you ladies

I should also add that I'm still waiting for the maternity pay calculations from the pay roll department at HO

We sent my matb1 form off on 5th November & im still waiting.
I've asked other colleagues who've received maternity & they said I should of had it within 7 days
We've emailed the payroll department but have not heard anything back , I believe there on a skeleton crew due to covid & Christmas

I have a feeling changing maternity dates would further affect receiving the payment dates etc

I think if I don't hear anything further , I'd rather get a sick note & keep the original date

Thank you for all the replies xxx

If your curious about your pay/maternity pay, if you have your payslips to hand you can self calculate using the below link.

www.gov.uk/maternity-paternity-calculator

Check your Mat Leave policy but likely you'll need to give 28 days notice to bring forward the start date.

I'm still waiting for my confirmation of mat pay calculations from my employer. I submitted my MATB1 in May and started my Mat leave on 1st September!!! They've paid me though so guess they aren't bothered about putting it in writing. Perhaps your employer has the same approach?

You have to give notice but if you take sick leave and the company considers it disruptive to your work they can then force you to start your maternity early anyway

@ivfbeenbusy they can only make you start maternity leave if you are sick from 36 weeks.

I was signed off work from I think 33 or 34 weeks and at 36 weeks my maternity leave automatically kicked in (was meant to be later). Sounds like you should be signed off.