Future Maternity question

[MrsMorgan2011]

Hello ladies, I go back to work tomorrow morning, and have decided to do 4 days a week (mon-Thurs 10am-4pm), just enough for me at the moment (just about pays the mortgage with the help of hubbies wage too).

My question is, we want another child sometime next year, so may try at the end of this year. I am planning on going back part time just for a few months this year, and hopefully by May/June, I will try full time. How long will I have to work before qualifying for my statutory maternity pay again at the same rate as I was beforehand (at full time wage)? I think it's at least 9 months, but not sure. I need to see how things go firstly going back after baby no.1 however, but we are very keen to add to the family next year.

Hope someone can give a little advice.

:-)

Are you going back to the same employer after maternity leave or a new employer?

If it's a new employer you need to be employed continuously for 26 weeks by 15 weeks before your due date. Maternity pay is calculated on average pay during weeks 17 - 25 of your pregnancy, so you need to be full time by the time you are 17 weeks pregnant to maximise it.

Going back to the same employer, i want to full time in a few months (June at latest), and hopefully trying for baby.2 November/December. Judging by what your saying, I should be ok. I really need my maternity pay based on my full time wage and by trying at the end of the year, i should be full time anyway. No guarantee it will happen straight away in any case.