Maternity leave and public appointments

[llareggub]

I should probably know the answer to this one, but would be grateful for views!

I am currently on maternity leave and have spotted an advert for a public appointment. It is something that theoretically I could do alongside my current (part-time) employment but realistically I think I would probably not return to work after my year is up, although I'd like to keep my options open.

The public appointment is not, I'm assuming, one that has any sort of employment relationship with the public body, so I wouldn't be employed. The appointment does carry fees and expenses in return for the duties discharged.

My question is whether I can continue to claim SMP if I am appointed. The work is ad hoc and probably not guaranteed every month, and I'm not sure if I will return to work or not, and probably won't know for some time. My baby is due at the end of April so I have a significant amount of maternity leave left!

What do you reckon?

Is this your first baby? Just asking as I thought I could do all sorts of things during my maternity leave which I just wasn't up to- waaaaaaay too busy looking after junior.

Nope, 2nd!

I've worked out the logistics, all doable. I've got very flexible childcare too.

ah, good. Thought this might turn out to be one of those "I'll do a PhD while on maternity leave, and renovate the house, and become a JP" kinds of threads...

I think you might need to get advice from your HR dept?- or don't you want them to know? Mine are very funny about me doing even voluntary work when I am employed by them.

um....this is where it is embarrassing...I do work in HR!

Voluntary work doesnt affect SMP however you mention a fee. If the fee is paid to you as a self employed person, it wont affect your SMP. You'll obviously need to register as s/e etc with the tax office if that is the case.

Thanks...that is helpful to know.

Think the answer is on the SMP form itself where there are a number of questions that could affect SMP...

What SMP form? Do you mean the MATB1? I've already handed that in, so can't look at it now.

No, the DWP have this form that includes questions about the 'qualifying period' and dates worked in order to qualify for SMP.

I'm not particularly bothered about keeping the SMP, more that I'd kind of like to give this a go and if it works out well, consider it as an alternative career move. So I don't particularly want to quit my job unless I really, really have to.

I'm pretty sure that is no contractual relationship with the public body, so I won't be employed. I think it is a bit like being a magistrate, but with payment attached. Hmm.

ilovemydog, I've just checked their website and there is a helpline for employees. I'll give them a call and see what they say.

Well, a bursary isn't defined as pay though, at least according to HMRC. For instance, in order to qualify for the child care element for working tax credits, one has to be employed for the 16 hour threshold, but a bursary isn't deemed pay...

I checked last week!

I'm not sure whether "fees and expenses" are deemed to be pay. I'll give the dept of work and pensions a ring tomorrow and see what they say.

I would say 'fees and expenses' is 'pay', but as long as you make sure you register yourself as self-employed, and do it that way, you can go for it without jeopardising your SMP. Sounds as though self-employment would be reasonable for this as well.

flowery, thanks! I'll email you....