Moral Dilemma

ceridwen

Well - there's two things I dont agree with here:

- I dont agree with taking Maternity Pay from a job a woman knows she wont be going back to - as Maternity Pay has been given on the basis that the woman WILL be going back to work. So - nope - as you know you won't be going back then I dont regard it as moral to take this money. It would be income "under false pretences" - as you are aware you dont intend to go back.

- I have put this politely - as that is the other thing I dont agree with (ie being rude to someone who at least has morals/conscience enough to ask the question). Most women would just take the money and run:mad: - even though they know very well they arent entitled to it unless they are definitely going to go back to work subsequently.

occitane

I am in a similar situation and am weighing up the moral vs legal entitlement question. However, I AM planning to return to work but as am employed by a tiny company they are quibbling paying my childcare vouchers whilst i am on SMP (which'll be for approx 4-5 months) - yes it's not fair on them, but then there's a lot that's not fair on the employee and i'm sure if i add up all the extra hours i've put in for this company over the years it would well exceed what they'll be paying out in the way of these vouchers for a short while. Yet we are stuck in deadlock and unless I threaten legal action (which i really don't want to do) I can't see them giving in, so what do I do?? I lose out on a benefit that I am rightly entitled to. Any advice welcome.

Amanita_2

getmore4less wrote: »

Stay taking the money

If hubbies income dries up you will be glad of a job.


Companies know they take on this kind of liability when employing women.

Which is exactly why a lot of them will try to avoid employing women of a "certain age". Smaller companies cannot afford either the cost nor equally the disruption.

Yes illegal but as another poster said "Prove it".

Uncertain

I am appalled by some of the comments on this thread. Particularly by those who seek to impose their "morals" on others yet openly say they do or would flout the law in their own business!

My views are as follows. We are all subject to the laws of the land. Occasionally this means we are not allowed to do something that seems perfectly reasonable or harmless. From time to time it also means we have a legal right to something when we don't particularly feel entitled. I feel this balances out.

If you don't like the current rules then by all means write to your MP or even start a campaign to have them changed. However, until they are, take what you are legally entitled to - not a penny more or less.

Uncertain

Amanita wrote: »

Yes illegal but as another poster said "Prove it".

Fortunately, from time to time people people do prove it. The financial penalties can be considerable but I feel it should be a criminal offence as well.

Uncertain

Hammyman wrote: »

And thats why I and many other businesses won't employ women who I think are likely to get pregnant or have got pregnant.As a business, I can't afford to be screwed over like this.

And you can shove all the equal rights and employment laws you want under an employers nose you want but the simple fact is "good luck with proving it" and that the reason its got to this is because of scum who have no intention of going back and decide to basically STEAL money from their employer.

Hopefully you will do this once too often or with the wrong person.

With a bit of luck the resulting claim will bankrupt you :mad:

Googlewhacker

Uncertain wrote: »

Fortunately, from time to time people people do prove it. The financial penalties can be considerable but I feel it should be a criminal offence as well.

On what basis?

Googlewhacker

Uncertain wrote: »

Hopefully you will do this once too often or with the wrong person.

With a bit of luck the resulting claim will bankrupt you :mad:

I'm surprised you let someone rile you that much to wish ill on them. Even if you disagree surely you see where the poster is coming from?

Just adding that I'm not saying I agree with the poster either but I see his point

Googlewhacker

Uncertain wrote: »

Hopefully you will do this once too often or with the wrong person.

With a bit of luck the resulting claim will bankrupt you :mad:

A side point but if a claim was to make a company bankrupt then would they be allowed to pay in installments because surely the company going bankrupt and starting again would leave the claiment with nothing?

DaisyFlower

ab7167 wrote: »

I hate these ones, and am struggling with this one. Basically, it is a decision between what I feel is right and moral, and money that I am legally entitled to.

I am currently on maternity leave from my job with my second child. I am now receiving only SMP, and as such my employer has to cover the cost of my childcare vouchers themselves. Effectively, I am gettign £243 a month more than SMP, paid direct to my childminder. I need to keep the place open as I return to work in October. It's complicated, but basically as SMP is regarded as a benefit, they are not allowed to deduct CV's from it, but they can't cancel them as I pay by salary sacrifie normally - therefore they are part of my contract and can't be varied without my consent. Bit of a loophole, but has been discussed by HMRC and the above is the current legal position on this. Work have agreed that this is the case and they will cover my vouchers while on SMP and (this is the important bit) my 13 weeks of zero pay, if I choose to stay off the full 52 weeks.

I always planned to return to work, but am now having second thoughts. If I do resign, should I resign now - as I know I'm not going back - and all payments will stop. Or should I wait until my 52 weeks are up (Jan 2011) and take all the mat pay and CV's until then, while knowing that I'm going to give my notice. This money will allow me to keep DD in childcare to give me a break and spend quality time with DS until next year, when she becomes entitled to her 15 hours a week anyway in January. Also I will accrue annual leave while still employed and this could add up to quite a nice lump sum next Jan when I do leave.

I just feel like I am screwing work over by not resigining until the end. There is actually a very strong likelihood that I will be made redundant anyway, as yesterdays budget cut education spending and my job is dependent on this (private company, contract with the LA)

Anyone's opinions here?

Morally its very wrong, taking SMP that they can reclaim is one thing but to sting them for the cost of the vouchers is terrible. It will lead to employers ceasing the scheme and lots of people will lose out.

I also dont understand why you need childcare for one child if you plan to be a SAHM - why plan a second if you dont want to look after two.

The free nursery hours entitlement you mention later is not free childcare, its provided so that all children have access to early education prior to starting school.