Going on 12 months mat leave... does my employer still have to pay my NI contributions for the full 12 months?

[SaltyGoodness]

I know I'm only getting pay/SMP for 39 of the 52 weeks and the rest is unpaid... but shouldn't they still put in for my NI for the full 12 months?

I'm not sure but so long as you are claiming child benefit then I think you get a NI credit through that?

I'm sure someone more knowledgable will be along soon though.

While you are on SMP, your employer will be paying the NI due - you may also have to contribute a very small amount, I can't remember exactly where the cutoff falls right now, but it wouldn't be more than a couple of pounds a month I don't think. While you are on unpaid leave, you have no income so no NI from either you or employer is due for those months, but you should get credits via child benefit.

Even if you or DH will earn over £60k and therefore be liable for the full High Income Child Benefit charge, you should aril register for CB and just request that the payments are suspended. This protects your NI and pension record without the faff of paying back CB.

Woodburner Thank you, that is incredibly helpful and has just given me an enormous sense of relief. Am fighting with them over other issues and am so glad this is one less thing I have to fight about.