paying back occupational maternity pay if not returning to work.

[anniz91]

Hi

Has anyone paid back OMP? If so how much did you have to pay back monthly?

Returning to work for 13 weeks is not an option as I do not have any childcare.

It depends on your companies policy, and if they decide to let you pay it back monthly. Also, each organisation has different amounts of OMP so it depends on what your organisations and how much they will want you to pay back each month.

Check your contract

What about the leave you've accumulated whilst on maternity? They'll have to pay you if you haven't taken it so might offset slightly

Have you actually taken the extra pay yet? If not, you can ask them not to pay it to you in the first place.

@anniz91 13 weeks is not a huge period to work are you absolutely sure you have considered all options?

Remember If you work 5 days x 13 = 65 days. If you took 12 months Mat leave as a minimum you accrue 28 days leave 65 -28 = 37 days left to be worked. If you spread this out it’s less than 3 days a week. If you have any occupational leave and/or untaken leave from pre mat leave this can further reduce the 37 days you need to work.

My advice is talk to HR and explain the situation and what are your options.

When I was due back at work it was Christmas so I went back and then had Christmas Day/Boxing Day/New Year's Day off, I had six weeks holiday to take and 11 weeks to work so I just booked holiday and worked part time. Could anyone have the baby a couple of days a week or half days and you book half day holidays?

If you normally do shifts/weekends could you not take your annual leave for however many weeks then just do weekends for the remainder of the 13 weeks so someone else could look after baby? I don’t think you have to go back full time