World of confusion in relation to maternity package

[CCbird88]

I’ve had a whole rollercoaster of a ride getting to some semblance of a maternity package from work; it’s been super stressful and I’ve felt really alone navigating it. I’m on a fixed term contract and I think there continues to be some confusion as to what I’m entitled to.. 3 months in to discussions and I’m tired!

2 things I’m not sure on:

• My manager said I will continue to get pension contributions throughout maternity leave.. I got a letter at home today saying I’d requested the backlog of my pension contributions to date (I hadn’t, so that was confusing in itself).. but my contract will end during maternity, so I don’t think this is true.. any light shon on this would be hugely appreciated!

• I must have mentioned in passing that I ended up freelancing during my last maternity leave.. there is a line in the maternity package letter that I have received saying that if I am to take on any type of other work, payments will immediately stop.. have other people had this included? It feels personal!

Navigating this all throughout my pregnancy has been awful

I understand your struggle, mat leave is a minefield and many organisations don't know the ins and outs that well!

Info on pension I found helpful on this website
https://workingfamilies.org.uk/articles/a-mothers-rights-during-maternity-leave/#pension-contributions

They also have info on work during mat leave, I think you can be self employed, but not get another job/employer
https://workingfamilies.org.uk/articles/what-work-can-you-do-during-maternity-adoption-parental-leave/#:~:text=Self%2Demployed%20work,so%20would%20be%20maternity%20discrimination.

It's so tough having to get this info to present to them when want you want is for them to have the knowledge but hopefully you get some answers soon!

@MummaC59 thank you so much! This is so so helpful

Ah so glad to be of help!! It's a blooming minefield!