Maternity pay confusion

claire.hart

Hi,

I have worked as a Nanny for the same family for 10 years. I am expecting a baby and have decided that I do not want to return to work after the Birth. I will give my employers plenty of notice of my intentions.

I have been investigating maternity pay and there is a wealth of information available but I find it totaly confusing and can't seem to find an explanation for my own scenario.

My main questions are....

- Am I Entitled to full statutory maternity pay even if I make it clear to my employers well in advance that I will not be returning to work after the baby is born.

- Do my employers still have to pay my maternity leave? Does it cost them anything or do they claim it all back?

- I have read of cases where women have had to pay some maternity pay back when they have decided later, after the Birth, not to return to work. Would this apply to me even though my intentions were clear from the start?

Any accurate and up to date information would be very greatfully recieved.

Many thanks.

Claire

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DX2

If you have the right to receive SMP, you will get it even if you decide to leave your job (or are made redundant) before you start receiving SMP. Also once you start getting it, your employer must continue to pay SMP to you even if you leave your job or are made redundant. You don't have to repay it if you decide not to go back to work or leave your job while getting SMP.
http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/Parents/Moneyandworkentitlements/Parentalleaveandpay/DG_10029290

mum-of-3

You do not need to let them know that you are not returning, you just need to give your normal notice period to terminate your employment with them. You need to be employed by them to get the maternity pay off them.

claire.hart

Thanks, I have a good relationship with my employees and believe they will do whatever they need to with regards to my SMP. I will be working right up to the last month or so but will be letting them know my intentions soon. I just wanted to be 100% sure I would be entitled to SMP before I made my final decision. Thanks again.