repaying maternity pay

aligerdie

bryanb wrote: »

How did you manage when it was one child? Couldn't you do the same again?

When I had only 1 child my parents helped me out while I worked part time hours. They're not in a position to help me out anymore, however I now have 2 more kids! I have a 5 year old, 18 month old and 8 month old. The cost of childminders and afterschool clubs is far more than what I earn.

Also, my husband works away in the week so its pretty much me managing on my own right now.

aligerdie

anniehanlon wrote: »

firstly you say yu only think that you have to pay maternity pay back. show
this to someone to check or see the CAB to check (or ring ACAS)

if your oh family have offered to help but are too far away why cant one of them come to stay for a week/month.

If all else fails, ring in sick.

Yes I probably could do that I suppose, however, I'm very reluctant to ring in sick as in the 7 years I've been there I've had only 5 days off sick. I will check with CAB, thank you for your advice.

zzzLazyDaisy

You are worrying about something that might not even be a problem!

You need to check your contract and/or your employer's maternity leave provisions. The CAB will not be able to advise you without these documents because the provisions relating to the contractual element of your maternity pay are decided by your employer - there is no over-riding general law about this.

Phone your employer's HR department and ask them to send you a copy of your contract and the policy document relating to maternity leave and pay. You do not need to give a reason, but if asked just say that you are currently on maternity leave and cannot find your copies.

mykidsmum_2

hi, i worked for my local council and didn't return after maternity leave, I had to pay back 6 weeks maternity pay, we came to an agreement where I paid it off monthly. They were fine about that. Best bet is to ring your HR dept as above poster says.
hth

aligerdie

Thank you all so much for your replies, I will get a copy of my contract and have a look on there.

I really appreciate all your help. xx

clazza1234

I used to work for the civil service.Several people I know have taken an unpaid career break after mat leave. I think you can take upto 5 years. They have then returned once their child has started school. Dont know if this is an option for you

across

Hiya aligerdie! dont pack your job in you may change your mind later on i too am a civil servant and understand exactly what youre on about! i have taken a further five yrs career break since mat leave so in total i had almost 7yrs off so far! and this means that if i do decide to go back or have ever had the unfortunate need to financially then my job is there for me so it gives you a great feeling of security whilst youre off! plus factor is that whilst youre off your pay will rise year by year even though you are not working so when you go back if ever you will not be back at the start paywise, the way i got around the mat leave repayment was too use all my annual leave(a month at least) directly after my mat leave before i started the career break so that it was like going into work for a month and thus covers the months notice if i decide i do not wish to ever return as you have to serve a month(by either physically entering the workplace or holidays) to eleviate mat leave overpayment! hope this helps!:rotfl: good luck!:rotfl:

aligerdie

across wrote: »

Hiya aligerdie! dont pack your job in you may change your mind later on i too am a civil servant and understand exactly what youre on about! i have taken a further five yrs career break since mat leave so in total i had almost 7yrs off so far! and this means that if i do decide to go back or have ever had the unfortunate need to financially then my job is there for me so it gives you a great feeling of security whilst youre off! plus factor is that whilst youre off your pay will rise year by year even though you are not working so when you go back if ever you will not be back at the start paywise, the way i got around the mat leave repayment was too use all my annual leave(a month at least) directly after my mat leave before i started the career break so that it was like going into work for a month and thus covers the months notice if i decide i do not wish to ever return as you have to serve a month(by either physically entering the workplace or holidays) to eleviate mat leave overpayment! hope this helps!:rotfl: good luck!:rotfl:

Unfortunately, I have asked for a career break, but its been refused as they're making 'budget cuts' over the next 3 years. Its so frustrating as I want to go back to work when the little ones are at school, but I've been told a career break is not an option!
I seriously feel like I've been pushed into resigning, but sadly I can't do anything about it.

thank you all so much for your replies. xx

across

aligerdie, unless things have changed that doesnt sound right at all they are usually very family friendly so whoever advised like this could well be wrong i would seek advice from union rep first before i do anything else they might be trying it on so you resign but it doesnt sound right at all dont give up yet let me know how it goes;)

bestmumof3

Before you decide on anything:

Make sure all your annual leave is accounted for ie offset against anything you might possibly owe;
Physically return to work for one day;
Submit a medical certificate (make sure the reason for illness is non-maternity related) for the remainder;

That is the easy way round not having to owe anything.