Hello.
I'm hoping and praying that someone can provide me with some advice.
Basically I have been in my job for over 4 years and I was told recently that my job was going into consultation with the chance of redundancy. I am also nearly 7 months pregnant.
I understand that I won't receive any of my contractual maternity pay, however it was mentioned that my statutory maternity pay would be paid in one lump sum. I've spoken to the tax office and they've explained that they would take a massive chunk of tax, however I could claim this back 4 weeks after my last pay from my employer.
My question is then, obviously I could not return to work for 39 weeks, otherwise I would have to pay the SMP back. But when does the 39 weeks period start? From the 11th week my baby is due, the time I'm made employed or the date I was going to originally start maternity which was a week before my due date. I spoke to HM Revenue and the gentleman advised that it was the 11th week before my due date, but to me this doesn't sound right as I may still be employed for another month after that? So technically I was working?
I'm under so much stress and I'm a lone worker so I'm feeling really isolated at the moment.
Thanks in advance!