Smp Help Please

peepoo1

Long story, please bear with me.
My employer didn't start my maternity leave when I left and continued to pay me wages at normal rate(I don't get paid much anyway so didn't notice any difference.
Before I left myself and my manager completed all the relevant forms so thought it was all sorted.:wall:
Well in Nov I didn't get paid any wages so when I rang to check payroll said they had not had my MATB1. My manager has email evidence that proves they knew I was pregnant and going onto maternity leave.
I got a copy and took it in, while there I was told they would get my missing payment to me as soon as possible and any overpayment would be discussed later when I returned to work.
Had heard nothing for 2wks so rang them today.
Was told that my SMP for Nov was being withheld and they would make no payment for the whole month.:eek:
Was offered 4 wks SMP even though I am owed 8 wks.:huh:

Can they withhold SMP?
Would should I do about it?
I don't dispute the overpayment but is it right that I have not received any wages since Oct?
Am really worried as was relying on that money to buy christmas and have a family birthday soon too.

Any help would be great.
Thank You

mum2one

The error was made by the I presume HR department, you and ur boss have the proof that you had the correct forms.

Your best bet would be contact Acas and CAB, as maternity pay is completed, as depending on hrs worked etc the first part may be more than SMP.

Sorry I could be much help x

hitchins

Contact Revenue & Customs, they will contact your employer, and do the chasing for you.

peepoo1

Just spoken to HR and been fobbed off again:mad:
Been told HR don't have the power to sanction that missing 4wks SMP and they need permission from someone senior (who surprise surprise isn't in today), to say treat the overpayment as a separate issue and to tell payroll to pay me the SMP from Nov.

At my wits end

Does no-one have the power to make a decision anymore?:eek:

Will have to wait it out all w/e and see what happens Monday