Enhanced Maternity Pay repayment experiences

[Disco91]

Hey all,

I am looking for peoples experiences of what they had to repay to their place of work when they have decided not to return after maternity leave, in particular from those who receive a number of other benefits in addition to enhanced maternity pay.

My current company tops Statutory maternity pay up to almost 6 months full pay and I get a number of benefits. Can people advise which of the following they had to repay?

• company maternity pay
• car allowance
• pension contributions
• bonus

I’ve relocated 100 miles during maternity leave and I’m hoping it’s just the company maternity pay! If it’s all 4 benefits I’ll have to go back for the 6 months but the thought of working from home for 6 months solid after lockdown and maternity does not fill me with joy! The bonus and company car combined is about £14,000 so it’s a big chunk of money to have to find.

Thanks in advance!!

I think it should just be the company maternity pay. Obviously you know you do get to keep the SMP element (6 weeks at 90% then basic rate for 33 weeks).

All the other things you mention come under the rule that personnel on maternity leave should retain all benefits of employment except salary, and you would have had those throughout your Maternity Leave even if your company didn't offer enhanced maternity pay.

Thanks @KihoBebiluPute that makes sense regarding them being separate benefits.

It’s really a question for my HR department I know but I don’t want them knowing I’m thinking of leaving! If I don’t get the job I’m applying for I’ll be going back.

Thanks for your help 😊

Is there a clawback provision in your contract of employment / the maternity policy? (I.e. are you sure you will need to repay at all? Many larger firms don’t have one as it doesn’t look good.)

Not all companies have a pay back clause if you resign on maternity leave. You should be able to get a copy of your maternity policy and suss it out from there.

But the other benefits are not it included anyway.

Be mindful - if you have relocated and they don't know you could be in breach of contract anyway if you want to return.