Help

[Gab22]

Hi, please can someone help. I have HG and need some time off work. I am 24 weeks pregnant and don’t know if my SMP will be affected. Xxx

I work in a school and have 3 years service

I think you have just passed the qualifying weeks for SMP calculation but need to continue to be employed and hand in your MatB1 at 26 weeks. Any Occupational Maternity pay may be dependant on their own rules. If the sickness is pg related you could be forced to start ml earlier than you intend.

Thank you, does this mean to be on payroll or actually attending work?

thank you xx

On payroll. But an average of actual earnings, usually in the 8 week period before the 25th week, is used in the calculation of first six weeks smp . So if your earnings are lower , due to ssp or unpaid leave for example, it may have a knock on effect.

Thank you that is so helpful!! I get paid full pay for 4 months with my length of service so should that mean it’s okay?

That depends on how the occupational scheme works, separate to smp.

Okay, thank you so much for helping me. Is there anything that would help me to find this out? Sorry just super worried but need some time off :( x

Have you got access to the policy on the intranet or in a handbook? If not you need to ask for it.

Yes, what would I be looking for?

Maybe start a thread with a relevant title? Then a lot more people with relevant knowledge can read and reply.

Maternity Policy?

Yes I have this on hand, just wondering what section I would be referring to for what you are saying. Sorry hope that makes sense xx

The part that refers to Occupational Maternity Pay. Presumably that is where you got the 4 months on full pay from, which woukd be exceptionally generous if right.

I think I just receive statuatory maternity pay not occupational maternity pay. The 4 months full pay and 4 months half pay is in my own contract not the maternity policy of the school due to my length of service. So if I am off sick and have not 'used up' my paid sick leave does this mean my SMP will not be affected

Think you need to check with whoever in the school does hr/payroll. It does not sound typical. Smp is 6 weeks at 90% average earnings of the 8 week period then 33 weeks at the statutory amount, which unless you are a low earner would be less than you mention.