Maternity Query Please Help?

retrobird79

I am currently trying for my first baby with my boyfriend and i have a question about maternity pay.

I work for the NHS and have done for over 2 years but i also have a part time job cleaning for a company on top of that were i have worked for over a year, both will offer me maternity packages which is great but i obviously wont be able to go back to both jobs after takin maternity leave as will be too much aswell as looking after baby.

Ideally what i wanted to do was work as far up to my due date with NHS as i can because im sat down all day, then take my maternity leave but with the other job i would want to take maternity earlier in the pregancy as im on my feet and bending down etc and go back a month after babies born seen as its only 2 hours a day monday - friday, so in affect id be working at cleaning while still on maternity with NHS. Is this allowed?

InsideInsurance

You can get statutory maternity pay from more than one employer (see http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/MoneyTaxAndBenefits/BenefitsTaxCreditsAndOtherSupport/Expectingorbringingupchildren/DG_175884) Anything they offer above the SMP will all come down to the terms and conditions in your contract.

I see absolutely no reason why you couldn't have different maternity leave periods as the two are totally independant and leave one earlier than the other etc. That said I couldnt see anything easily online about it to confirm my thoughts and so it would be best to check either with your employer's HR department or someone like the Citizens Advice Beauraux for absolute conformation.

clairec79

I'm pretty sure that whilst you can work in one prior to the birth whilst on mat leave from the other, returning to one after the birth stops your pay
http://www.dwp.gov.uk/publications/specialist-guides/technical-guidance/ni17a-a-guide-to-maternity/statutory-maternity-pay-smp/working-in-your-maternity-pay/
although looking at that I'm notsure in your situation

Beckyy

I would have a quick check with citizens advice bureau.

One thing I will say though is to be careful how quickly you commit to going back to your job, a newborn baby is more than a fulltime job in itself and 2 hours each day working will be very tough on you a month into that. You also have to take into consideration if you have any complications during birth, say for example you needed a cesarean - there's no way you could go back to a bending and moving job a month later, and (if you drive there, or at all) your insurance won't cover you until 6 weeks after an operation, so you'd not be able to drive there and back even if you did feel up to it. I would give yourself at least 3 months to enjoy time with your baby and get used to things without having to worry about going to work for an extra 2 hours a day. You could ask to take a couple of extra months off unpaid if you want to take your leave earlier.

You also said you won't be able to do both jobs after baby is born, so would you plan to leave on after X amount of time?

retrobird79

The time scales I gave i hear say, i realise if there are complications i.e c section etc then i wont be able to go back after a month. But I'm just getting a rough idea so i can explore all options. Ideally id like to give up the second job now (who wants to work nearlly 12 hours a day? - not me ha ha) but i have got used to the money and its a good little earner for extra money and is going to help in the run up to having a baby. I want to do it for as long as possible.

May even be a long way off yet, who knows but just thought id put a post on here first see if anyone knew for sure then next step speak to both employers.

Thanks for your help guys