Career break/maternity leave

[Shass26]

So I am on a career break straight after my maternity leave ended. I'm not due back until spring next year. I did however inform my manager that I may be back sooner if I'm able to find reasonably priced childcare. I have just found out I'm pregnant. Would I be entitled to maternity leave/pay again if I go back to work? I'm not sure how long I've to be back at work for eligibility if I'm entitled. I've been with Civil Service for almost 12 years, although in different departments. I tried getting in touch with HR, but was waiting for ages. I will try them again next week, but any advice is welcome. Thank you

You would not be entitled to statutory maternity pay if you don’t meet the earnings threshold, occupational maternity pay would depend on your policy.

Are you planning to return to work afterwards? You usually need to return for a set period, otherwise you’d have to repay your OMP.

Hi I was wondering if anyone had anything on my situation.

i have worked in the Home Office 2018-2023… left for 3 months and then joined DWP.

4 months into DWP I found out I was pregnant.

Will my previous service count towards the 12 months continuous service for my OMP ?

The policy doesn’t elaborate and nor will SSCL shed any light on this either xx

@Shass26 From memory (retired CS HR) you have to first meet the SMP requirements as OMP (occupational) is paid as a top up.

Start by using this calculator to check SMP, if you qualify look at getting back to work asap. https://www.gov.uk/maternity-paternity-calculator

A key factor maybe whether or not you are considered to still have an employment contract whilst on career break. If you were on mat leave you would have.

@Hydey1993 you need to ask your HR about reinstatement or re-employment. Reinstatement is to the same grade and re-employment is to a higher or lower grade.

Each department has there own rules as it is a delegated area so it will be department specific.

What you really want is to find the technical HR expert as they will know.