Have I done it wrong? SMP question.

[finallypregnant]

I gave my boss my MATB1 and because of a firm wide reorganisation (sounds grand but there are only 18 of us), I decided to be upfront and tell him that I wouldn't be coming back after baby. I have been there since June last year. I am part-time and they are looking to make my position full-time.

Anyway, I told him I'd come back and cover holidays and sick leave - he was delighted and appreciated me being honest and upfront.

Anyway, the company accountants (external) still have not written back to me saying what I am entitled to - 4 weeks have past and they should have by law done this.

Does anyone have any experience as to what I should write in my letter advising them of my intention to leave - do I have to put in writing that I am not coming back and if I do, will it mean I won't get SMP? I don't think my boss would allow that as he said he'd make sure I was covered but I'd rather know what I am dealing with beforehand if you know what I mean.

Or should I write in the letter that the date for me coming back is to be discussed later?

Any help and tips would be appreciated.

Thank you.

I should say that the decision to make my position FT from PT was made after I said I wouldn't be back and I have been asked to do the recruitment/advertising for it!

If you leave for maternity reasons you are still entitled to SMP.

Lovely. Thank you!

Hi, as long as you are working in your qualifying week (15 weeks before due date), have been working for the same employer for 26 weeks before that, and earning at least £87 per week before tax, your current employer by law must pay you at least SMP, whether or not you're going to go back to work.

You don't have to tell them that you're not coming back in your letter. However, as you are going back to cover hols and sick, is it worth checking to see if your company offer an enhanced mat leave package? I would be tempted to write it's to be discussed later - some firms do say that you have to pay back any extra maternity pay (not SMP) unless you go back for 3 months or so afterwards, but I don't actually know any companies that have done this.

Good luck!

Thanks again!