Civil Service maternity leave question

newmum1976

Hi
I have a 7 1/2 month old baby and am currently on maternity leave from a government dept. I plan to take the full 12 months off work so my return to work date is early May 2009. My package from work includes 6 months full pay, 3 months SMP and 3 months no pay. I've just found out that I'm pregnant again !! due end of August 2009. Does anybody know if I'll be entitled to the same package again? Do I need to go back sooner than May 2009 to qualify for the full package again?
Any help gratefully received
Thanks

[Deleted User]

I would think that you will be but you should contact the HR dept to check.

You may also find more answers on the employment board rather than benefits.

MIMI123_2

im sure you are entitled to the same allowance.

chickpea

Hi - congratulations!

I'd be interested to know the answer to this one too..!

It's my understanding that under such a package as you describe, your maternity benefits are calculated on the basis of your earnings between 3-6 months of being pregnant. So in your case, what you'd be earning between Feb-May 09 roughly - which if my maths is correct, might well be very little. So maybe SMP only. But I can't see you being left quite so high and dry by the civil service!! Best bet is to contact your HR dept - and please let us know the answer!!

(I'm due to start maternity leave on the same terms and conditions in Feb, and since I'm 35 and only on my first baby, I've been contemplating the benefits or otherwise of a possible swift turnaround on no2!)