NHS Trust Maternity Leave Help

Cardibach

I wonder if you can help. My stepdaughter has recently had some wonderful news and is expecting her first baby.

Currently she is some 17 weeks into the pregnancy and her employer, a NHS Trust are seeking guidance on when she will be taking maternity leave etc.

Seems a bit early to me but there you go. There's not much information coming from HR - well none really and before discussing the matter with them formally I wonder if someone would be kind enough to provide a quick summary of the process and the best options for her financially.

I suspect that the regulations might have changed somewhat in 35 years so ones information may be a bit out of date.

She's employed on the administrative side, is permanent and has been there for some 7 years.

Appreciate any help you can provide:)

clairec79

She should be able to print off the NHS maternity leave guide from the intranet

She doesn't have to tell them officially yet (she will get the form from the midwife giving her due date allowing her to apply for maternity leave after 20 weeks) but I don't think it's wrong for them to ask roughly when she's planning on finishing - if she plans on starting maternity leave at 28 weeks, they may need to start advertising soon to fill her place while she's off - if she planning on working later then a 'not sure, hoping to work until Easter if I'm up to it'

I started my maternity leave at 39 weeks, others went at 28 (most seemed to go at 32-34weeks on the wards I worked on)

You get full pay for 8 weeks, then half pay plus SMP for 18 weeks then SMP only for 13 weeks then nothing - assuming she wants the full year and plans on returning

Cardibach

Many thanks Clairec79- the information provided is really appreciated and I shall pass it on. Once all the tests etc have been completed she will feel a little bit more comfortable talking to HR about the situation. She's a bit reluctant until she knows everything is ok

Once again thank you for taking the time and trouble to Reply.It is very much appreciated.

an9i77

Legally she needs to tell them by week 25 - before then she is not obliged to tell them anything.
She can change her mind with 28 days notice before either the new date she wants to commence her leave or the exisiting date, whichever is the sooner.
She can also change her mind re her return date but needs to give 8 weeks notice of either the new or existing date whichever is the sooner

Morty_007

clairec79 wrote: »

You get full pay for 8 weeks, then half pay plus SMP for 18 weeks then SMP only for 13 weeks then nothing - assuming she wants the full year and plans on returning

Good info Claire, saved me typing it. I'm also NHS and also Preggers!

One thing though, I think its 90% full pay for 8 weeks then half plus etc.... thats my understanding.

clairec79

I'm sure i got full pay (finished full pay on xmas day)

Morty_007

interesting. our policy says 90%!

clairec79

Just gone and checked my letter and definately 100% for 8 weeks (and friend had same in neighboring trust)

Cardibach

AN9177. Many thanks for your help and advice. I feel I can now help her a little thanks to you and everyone on this site.

Cardibach

Morty-007 Congratulations to you on your good news. 2011 will be a special year for us. Thank you for taking the time and trouble to help.

Cardibach

clairec79 - hope your right on the 100% pay - we'll mention it to HR. Could I ask what most mothers do after having the baby - is it possible ( assuming the leave year allows) to take say 48weeks maternity leave and add on 4 weeks annual leave. She'd really like a year off to look after the baby but there are bills to be paid and they will not wait for the baby to grow up. Just wondering what people do normally.
Many thanks