Maternity pay problems! Help!

[Mummybashy3111]

I work part time for a small buisness where it's just me, the boss and another lady (who is currently off after having an operation)

I told her I was pregnant and a week later she had spoke to her accountant and said the accountant had told her.. She is only having to pay me for 26 weeks maternity pay and that's all she can afford to pay me for. Even though I have worked there for 3 years and I earn enough for smp apparently that's all I'm entitled to? I thought it was 39 weeks paid. When I told my employer this she said she will check with her accountant but hasn't got back to me about it yet. Not only that but I am so fed up of being asked when I coming back, in front of clients!! It's just so unprofessional and even though I've done my research on maternity leave and pay she doesn't seem to understand. Can anyone tell me if it is possible I am only entitled to 26 weeks as everywhere I have looked says up to 39 weeks paid???

The period of earnings (note this is actual figures from your payslip which may not be the same as your regular earnings as includes overtime, bonuses and so on paid in that period) on which the first 6 weeks of SMP is based is earlier than 25th week before, so yes they should be able to tell you then. You can estimate what you are entitled to using www.gov.uk/calculate-your-maternity-pay . Maybe direct your employer to www.gov.uk/employers-maternity-pay-leave/entitlement .

Whoever does her payroll will do it. Who is that, do you know?

No I don't know.. She said she's going to ring her to sort it out. I told her to tell her she's got my mat b1 form and to look on the gov website.