help - work clueless about maternity rights.

[linspins105]

HI there,

I work for a small company 2 bosses and 3 staff and besides me they are all men! and clueless as to maternity rights. Even tried giving them info as to what to do as a business when an employee inform you they are expecting but still nothing.

I informed bosses on 18th March of when I intend to start my maternity leave and have also recently given them my MATB1.

I haven't had a risk assessment (although don't think I really need one) or confirmation of my letter regarding mat leave (which I thought i should have within 28 days) - how much is it for me to chase things.

Do I need to do anything else regarding Maternity leave / pay and does anyone know what bosses are supposed to do? and what happens if they don't.

Lins

 

[leckershell]

I'm lucky to work for a big public sector company who have these things well sorted but I saw you had no replies so thought I may as well pitch in my 2pennys worth if it helps.

When I handed in my matB form it went straight to Personnel who somehow used this to contact the government to give me SMP (statutory maternity pay) or for you this may be MA (maternity allowance) depending on your hours/wage/how long you have been with the company. I gave in a letter stating when I planned to start my leave (with more than 28 days notice before that date) and return, and they replied to confirm what I had said, and to confirm my return date (which can be changed with 28 days notice also). They confirmed that my job would be held open for me if I was to take maternity leave up to a year, and that I am able to apply for reduced hours or flexible working on my return if I would like to. They sent me a copy of the maternity policy which had details in about how many weeks enhanced pay I would get (my company provided pay on top of the SMP) and how many would be at SMP.

I'm not 100% how it all works but they need to have contacted the government to have sorted out your SMP or MA for you.

They should also really have offered you a risk assessment (even if you are in an office, a back rest for your chair etc could help with back pain later in your pregnancy).. but if you don't have any problems then thats ok I guess if you're happy.

You shouldn't have to chase, but if I were you I would. Rather appear a bit cheeky than end up with no pay while you are off and looking after a small baby. Admittedly my company are high profile (police) and are spot on with these sort of procedures, but even a small company should be able to offer you confirmation of dates etc, and to confirm you will receive the government statutory pay and leave you require.

 

[linspins105]

Thanks for your reply - I think I will leave it a couple of weeks and then chase them up as I don't go on Mat Leave until 4th August so I have a bit of time to get it sorted but just wanted to check that I didn't need to give them anything else. Lins

 

[kalia]

There are currently 14 people off from my work on maternity leave but I didn't get a letter from them detailing what I would get - I just had a chat with the bursar. It was made clear to me what I would get though.

I didn't realise they need to get in touch with the government - because the company will pay your SMP and then claim it back from their NI payments at the end of the financial year I assumed they didn't have to do anything else. But to be honest, that's for them to worry about, not you. As I say, SMP comes from your employer so you would get it. Reclaiming it from the government is their problem.