If I don’t return to my job, will I still get statutory maternity pay for the year?

[Suprima]

I’m a teacher who qualifies for a very generous enhanced maternity package as part of my job for an academy trust. I am on a full time permanent contract have been employed in this role for the past 3 years.

My work has assumed that I am returning and has handed me the enhanced policy info pack as part of my maternity meetings. I want to know the score on what happens if I don’t come back and give my 2 months notice that I’m not returning. I am obviously reluctant to ask the basic maternity policy pack!

I know for a fact that I will have to repay the enhanced pay (not a problem, in the bank) but as I have been employed for a long period- am I entitled to my statutory maternity pay for the entire year I am off?

Once you qualify for maternity pay then you will get it whether you leave or not. You qualify by being employed in the 25th week of pregnancy.

SMP is only paid for 39 weeks though even if maternity leave is for 1 year

@dementedpixie

Once you qualify for maternity pay then you will get it whether you leave or not. You qualify by being employed in the 25th week of pregnancy.

SMP is only paid for 39 weeks though even if maternity leave is for 1 year

Brilliant- the cash will be useful! Thank you!

In an answer, yes. I was at risk of redundancy when pregnant with DS2 and was advised that even if I left, as long as it was after 25 weeks, I would still receive SMP.