Is anyone in HR please?

[minniem0use]

I am in need of some advice!

I am due to start my maternity leave in 2 weeks. I work in London and I get 6 months fully paid maternity followed by 3 months SMP. I will receive a bonus during those 6 months.

My husband does a similar job to me at a different firm. He has just been offered a job in the US, which if we decide to move for as soon as it is made public in his firm my manager at my office will find out due to close connection.

If we go, what are my rights re maternity pay. When my manager finds out we are moving to the US and I am still in my 6 months do I still get paid for 6 months even though for the last 3 I will probably not be in the country as I will not have officially resigned yet? Where do I stand legally here. I would plan to resign after my period of full pay.

Yes, your maternity entitlement is already secure.

Some companies have clauses that you have to return for a certain period to keep the enhanced maternity pay. Check you do not have that or you may have to pay it back.

Remember you will accrue annual leave during some of your maternity leave . I used this to " go back " to work after my maternity leave but I wasn't actually there IYSWIM.

Agree with Angelopal. Most companies offering enhanced mat leave make you pay it back if you don't return after maternity. Your SMP is secure though.

I definitely do not have that clause. I can choose not to return without paying anything back.

My manager will know I am
In the US but my pay will be ok until I send my notice letter in at the end of the 6 months? (In any case I have a 3 month notice period).

Thanks for your help.

I took my unpaid maternity leave as I was able to add to my pension for these extra months as soon as I stooped maternity leave and went on annual leave . It basically used up all my wages for that period .