overpayment of maternity pay

anit

i need some help.

when i was on extended maternity leave my employers paid me too much due to me moving teams while i was off and none of the managers submitting my paper work on time! i called them a couple of times and was told not to worry. basically no record of my calls was logged so i have no proof. basically some lazy g*t couldnt be a*sed to do anything.

anyway.. when i returned back to work they said they wanted the money back! i said i couldnt afford it (which i cant) and i asked my union to help. well 3 months down the line they have done nothing and now pay group are taking $50 a month out of my wages.

can they actually do this even when it wasnt my fault and that the money was spent in good faith?
i spent 3 weeks in hospital after having my daughter and a further 2 months housebound. i actually took 8 months to fully recover after a horrible traumatic birth.
as the money was going into my account and i was told not to worry, i didnt and i spent it

any advice would be greatly appreciated


(sorry my pound sign doesnt work)

plumpmouse

Think Traf is probably right

I was overpaid and had to pay it back in installments of £50 a month.

Probably not a lot you can do

Sorry

anit

i have asked them to reduce the amount but they say 50 is the lowest they will except..

ho hum, worth a try i guess :-/

trafalgar_2

It's always worth a try ,sorry the news couldn't of been better

anit

s'ok, thank you ;D

Ally

Hi Anit ..... Congratulations on little baby :-* Hope you get all better real soon too :-*

Have to agree with Traf too ..... they over paid you, you were aware of it, so you really shouldn't have spent the money knowing you were not actually entitled to it :-/ But it's done now.

I think you should visit your local CAB, they may be able to negotiate on your behalf. The employer needs your agreement before any deductions are made ..... otherwise they will be in breach of contract. A little push may help your employer realise that £50 a month is too much for you. But get some proper advice, 'cos you don't want to jepordise your job!

Good Luck :-*