CC vouchers - is this policy correct?

[PseudoBadger]

I'm all confused about whether to carry on taking vouchers whilst on ML.

I looked up my employers policy and it says:

"Whilst on maternity leave, unless you have opted out, you will continue to receive childcare vouchers for the full period of maternity leave. No deduction will be made from maternity pay for the childcare vouchers issued during this period. Upon return to work (including any period when outstanding annual leave is taken) payment of childcare vouchers by salary sacrifice arrangement will resume.
However, statutory maternity pay (SMP) is calculated based on the average weekly cash pay you receive during the eight week period, 15 weeks prior to the date of confinement (weeks 17 to 25 of your pregnancy). As Childcare Vouchers reduce your cash pay through salary sacrifice, if the vouchers are taken during this period, it will reduce your entitlement to full SMP. If you do not wish to reduce your entitlement to statutory maternity pay, you are advised to have opted out of the scheme before week 17 of your pregnancy."

Is this correct, that my SMP will be less because I take vouchers? If so, I'd better get cancelling!

[PseudoBadger]

Just wanted to update - HR have confirmed that 'maternity pay' is defined as all pay whilst on ML including the OMP portion, and no deductions will be made from any element of maternity pay. I think I'm best off staying in the scheme.