HR refusing to return MatB1?

[NotYoMomma]

I am pregnant as is my friend.

we both handed in our MatB1 forms at work last week - they photocopied and kept the copies (we jave different hr reps due to being a big company)

they then asked for mine as they need the original on file

took it in today to show them (assuming they neededanother copy or something) and they say they need to keep it for good in case they gat audited.

I wasnt happy and asked my manager who said it was right

however my colleague was told that the photocopy was sufficient for their records and as such still has her original form.

I am unhappy with the inconsistancy (both have been told that it is correct) and worried that not having it in my possession could be problematic for me later on.

can anyone advise of hr need to keep it for good or if I will need it for something later?

thank you

My employer kept mine both times and I kept a copy. I didn't need it for anything else. My midwife told me it was for my employer so I assumed she meant I gave it to them to keep iyswim?

You won't need it. They need the original in order to pay you your SMP.

Never had mine back for either and was different employers

oh good! I have anxiety anyway and was getting in a right mess :/

feel a bit of a dick now lol