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Original poster

On mat leave, need cash...

6 replies

RedCloud · 25/02/2011 21:29

Hello,

I just wondered if anyone knew whether or not it was 'legal' to work whilst on mat leave?

I work for the NHS and am soon to enter the unpaid phase of my leave. I was hoping to do some bank/agency work during this period but it seems unclear as to whether or not this is allowed. I have gone through the mat leave policy with a fine tooth comb and cannot find anything about this and therefore am tempted to take some work. However if there is any chance atall that I could end up getting disciplined at work on my return or having to pay back my mat pay, then I am obviously not going to risk it.

Please help if you can.

OP posts:

regeneration · 25/02/2011 23:09

I think it is legal as long as you are not being paid during this part of your MAT leave. And as long as you declare it to HMRC and it will affect any benefits you get

Check out this link to direct gov
www.direct.gov.uk/en/Parents/Moneyandworkentitlements/WorkAndFamilies/Pregnancyandmaternityrights/DG_175088

HarrietSchulenberg · 25/02/2011 23:41

I think you can only work outside of the hours that you would normally work in your usual job. The problem is when you work in a new job during your normal working hours, if that makes sense.

I worked evenings and weekends when on unpaid mat leave to make sure I didn't clash with my normal working hours, but I'm not sure if that was just company policy rather than an actual legal issue.

Check with your HR dept, perhaps?

Grevling · 26/02/2011 01:25

Why not just tell the NHS your coming back to work early?

During mat leave you can do 10 days work before you lose SMP payments. You need to check your contract I highly suspect that this isn't allowed as most perm contracts say you can only work with employer permission.

hairylights · 26/02/2011 09:01

Kit days can be paid (up to ten days) and you can five eight weeks notice that you want to change your return date.

KenDoddsDadsDog · 26/02/2011 09:08

I was paid for my KIT days. It really helped!
Also did eBay for a bit of cash.

flowery · 26/02/2011 16:33

Policy on working elsewhere is unlikely to be within maternity policy which is why you can't find anything - there'll be something in your contract or handbook or whatever I imagine.

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