Sorry for the long post. My due date is in the first week of December. I have done quite a lot of research on maternity pay. From what I understand, if I take 6 weeks off after delivery and want to return to work after those 6 weeks, can my employer refuse that no you need more off? I need full pay and fulltime work after delivery because of financial issues. Also to add here I might check emails in this time because he has no other employee which I have told him, I am not supposed to work but he will ask me so what should I say? I dont know if I should be paid for this? Or allowed to check emails? My employer’s attitude has changed significantly, and it seems like he is making my job difficult. For example, he laid off a colleague whom I supervise and who handled outside jobs like driving, etc. I mainly do office work (work from home mainly) but now this additional burden and pressure will fall on me, now I’ll be in and out of work.
I have been with the company for 6 years and am starting my 7th year. My contract was basic when I signed, and there is no mention of maternity leave, but I understand that I am still entitled to statutory maternity leave (52 weeks)? I asked about the company policy, but I received no response from my boss, and I suspect my employer is also unaware. I manage his entire business and even handle personal tasks, which I’m not supposed to do. I feel trapped in this situation. I emailed our external accountant and they asked me for the company policy to process the payroll and he is not responding.
I need some guidance on whether it’s a wise decision to take him to a tribunal. What compensation could I expect, and is it worth the hassle? I’m also worried about how I’ll manage financially during the process, as I don’t have any savings. I have a house on mortgage not sure if I am entitled to any benefits because I have never claimed in my life and I don’t understand how benefits work. While my partner’s business is not doing so well, he is very supportive in everything. I’m uncertain about my own situation, and this is causing me a lot of stress.
Your advice would be highly appreciated.