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SMP and working for partner question.

Hi

I'm just wondering if anyone here can help before i ring the tax office. I'm 20 weeks pregnant and qualify for SMP from my company. I'll prob start my maternity leave after Christmas.

My question is, can i work for my partners (who is self employed) business and receive a little wage without the SMP from my job stopping. It'll only be a small amount for answering the phone, doing the books, etc because SMP is not going to be much use :(

Like i said i'll be speaking to the tax office today but if anyone has any idea i'd appreciate some advice.

Thanks x
:p Love being a mummy

Comments

  • I don't think you're allowed to work for another company whilst they're paying you maternity pay. It would seem very unfair if you were, because if you're ok to work then surely you should be working for the company that's already paying you?

    Hayley
  • SMP has nothing to do with whether you are 'ok to do work' or not - it's not an illness!

    That said - I doubt very much that you are allowed to work anywhere whilst being paid SMP - it is paid to allow you to be at home with baby. So if you are not then I guess you won't qualify.

    And, for what it is worth - companies don't pay SMP, the government does....actually just checked that and I am wrong!!!! Baby brain!

    Try this link.
    http://www.dwp.gov.uk/lifeevent/benefits/statutory_maternity_pay.asp#whatknow
    r.mac wrote: »
    please listen to MFD - she is a wise woman :D
    Proud Mummy to the gorgeous Benjamin John born 14 March 2009, 8lbs 14oz
    A new little seedling on the way, due 30 September 2012
  • SMP has nothing to do with whether you are 'ok to do work' or not - it's not an illness!

    I didn't mean 'Ok to work' as in healthy enough to work. I just meant if you're ready to go back to work and not be a full-time mum any more then I think your employer who has been paying your maternity pay would want you working for them and not for another company. I've just come back from maternity leave myself so I know it's not an illness :) Sorry if I didn't make myself clear.
  • Hayley - I'm currently 21+3 and work with a load of men so I am a bit defensive at the moment - sorry!

    Having an angry day :o
    r.mac wrote: »
    please listen to MFD - she is a wise woman :D
    Proud Mummy to the gorgeous Benjamin John born 14 March 2009, 8lbs 14oz
    A new little seedling on the way, due 30 September 2012
  • Don't worry, I know what it's like!

    Congratulations.. over half way there :)
  • You can't work for an employer whilst receiving SMP, you can however do self employed work (I don't know if there are any restrictions or limitations on this, something I'm trying to find out myself at the moment). If you registered as self employed and your partner gave you work in that way you may be able to do it. You probably need to check with your employer that this won't conflict with your employment terms however.
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