How much maternity leave are you having/did you take?

elle_gee

gizmodo, when you're doing your budget, use £123.06 as the SMP figure (instead of £177.18) as that's what it looks like it's going up to in April 2009.

More info: http://www.hmrc.gov.uk/employers/stat-pymnt-rates09-10.htm

inkie

I think that the old NHS scheme that I was under was 8 weeks full pay, and then 12 weeks 1/2 pay (plus SMP on top), and then unpaid leave.

You have to make the decision based on what kind of work you do, as to when you finish. I worked as a midwife, and I worked 'til 38 weeks. The last shift that I did was a 12 hour night shift of labour ward delivering someone who was less pregnant than I was!

DaisyFlower

I worked until 39 weeks and glad I did, little one was over 2 weeks late and I was bored silly for those 3 weeks.

Took 7 months off and went back part time, I work 3 days a week which suits us all. Only got standard maternity pay so I saved the extra before hand to make it up to my part time wage so we had already adjusted to that amount before I returned.

hellyboo_2

I had 58 weeks off altogether. NHS so had 12 months paid and unpaid mat leave plus 6 weeks accrued annual leave. Check if your holiday accrues as I'm not sure if this happens everywhere.

I thought it was this year that smp went up to 12 months from 9 months (since april 2007) but I have not checked this recently.

I also worked to 38 weeks in both pregnancies but I had very trouble free pregnancies and was part time the 2nd time.

You must do what is best for you and remember that everyone is so different - I loved being at home and wanted as much time off as poss wheras a friend of mine was really ready to go back to work after a much shorter time as she felt it was easier at work that at home withthe baby!

You may change your mind whilst you are off so check with your employer if it is flexible once you are off (eg if you choose 6m can you extend it to 9months if you give enough notice etc).

Even if you are going back to work at your agreed time I think you still have to let them know in writing a month (or 28 days i think) before you go back.

HTH!

elle_gee

Obviously things change over time.. Correct current info can be found here

http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/Parents/Moneyandworkentitlements/WorkAndFamilies/Pregnancyandmaternityrights/index.htm

ETA: Sorry, to answer the actual question, I'm just working out a budget to see how long I can afford to stay off for - or rather how much we need to save to afford for me to stay off for the unpaid three months too! Baby due 19th July.

daphne_descends

I took 13 months off, and would not have been ready to leave my baby before that. Mind you 10 weeks was pre-birth as we were moving house and I had SPD. So he was 10 months old when I went back.

tessie_bear

i had my second 3 years ago...had a year of payment and then didnt go back......i worked out how little i would be working for after paying x2 childcare and decided to be a sahm.....everyone is different and is coming from a different starting point imo......good luck

carlislelass

9 wks before, 11wks after though that was in the 70`s

gizmodo_2

That's good to know it's going up to £123.06, every little helps.

fernliebee

I'm still on maternity at the min, I have 9 months paid and that ends this month- eek! Then when LO is a year I'm supposed to go back to work. I say supposed to, as I won't be going back as I want to be home with LO ( I knew this but everyone including my manager said not to make up my mind yet as I might change my mind, haven't yet though). We can survive on very little and hopefully I can stay off until she is 2 then go back p/t.