Company Maternity Policy - When do they have to let me know??

[Preggars]

I am about to go on maternity leave. I have just over 2 weeks left in the office. I gave them my maternity proposal 5 months ago, stating the changes in the law, etc. (company doesn't have HR), and what I would like, etc.

Is there a date when I company has a legal obligation to advise me of their policy... or is this in the laps of the Gods??

Preggars glad you're starting to get a positive response at last! Yup it is wrong...and awful that you feel you can't ask these things without fearing for the long term consequences Fingers crossed you get the answers you want tomorrow...I think I may have to wait until next week now for mine, unless my elusive boss re-appears before 5, as he's in meetings all tomorrow, and I only do mon-wed, ho hum

Preggars how did it go??

Well my elusive boss tracked me down tonight, but I rather wish he hadn't - gave me a letter effectively telliing me that if things stay as a staus quo on the business front I will be made redundant at the end of my OML. Can't do it now as effectively that would be sexual discrimination as they can't say definitely that there will be nothing for me in 6 mths time, and my current project isn't quite finished (but will do so whilst I'm on leave). But reading between all the bullshit rhetoric I'm essentially redundant...so gonna crack open a bottle of wine tonight and have a couple of glasses, and then speak to my solicitor friend at the weekend and see where we go from here...

Do hope you had a better more fruitful day!

Hi Teabelly

I hope you get what you want (as in, will it be better to be made redundant? Then you can find something better?)..

Well, finally found out where I stand today. The company are only going to pay smp, and my immediate boss really struggled telling me. He was embarrassed beyond belief as he had already said to me 4 months ago that he couldn't see why I wouldn't have my proposal approved. I made it easier for him. I said I would have been delighted if they had paid me what I had asked for (6 weeks full pay and 8 weeks half pay, followed by 12 weeks smp) but just because they aren't doesn't mean I have the 'arsehole' (I actually said that!). I also added (for good measure) it's entirely up to the MD what kind of message he wants to send people (which he can read all he likes into! ). I am pleased that he said to the MD (apparently) that I had been exceptionally well organised and patient, considering that I had told them and supplied a full proposal back in December.

I am now just pleased that the external accountants know that I am on leave as of end of next week (can you believe the MD only told them yesterday). I told this company I was pregnant at 12 weeks (and my immediate boss at just 9 weeks!).

Ho hum.

Sorry to come into this so late. But, Preggars, how long have you worked at this company. If you made your qualifying week, then they have to pay you 90% of your normal salary followed by SMP for the remainder of 26 weeks. They have no choice.

Look at tiger.gov.uk (or something like that). Good luck!

Hi Uwila,

Yes, been there four (long) years, so will be getting SMP, so must be grateful for that. This is my second pregnancy there, previously I got 6 weeks full pay, 8 weeks half pay, then SMP for the remainder. I work just as hard, but I am now part time.

Nevermind. Nothing I can do.

Thanks for your help.

Preggars,
I realise I'm rather late to this conversation and therefore may have missed something. But if you have worked for these people for 4 years then they must by law give you 6 weeks of 90% of your usual pay. This is the law. Now, I'm not sure if this applies to small businesses or how big your company is.

This is crazy. What is their reason? Go get 'em!!

Preggars, check this out if you haven't already.

tiger.gov.uk/maternity/employee_april03/smp.htm

Preggars sorry you didn't get what you were after...'arsehole' now I'd love to say that to my boss but in a different context, he he he

Sadly no good pay off here, but at least I have 7 mths to find something (as I'm still getting SMP, holiday pay due, etc) - much better position to be in than to go back to work thinking everything's hunky dory and then be laid off!