Can someone offer some advice - wages

threemuttleys

This is a bit of a long one, but I am desperate seeking some help.

I am having problems with my employers regarding my wages. From September I have been on maternity leave. Around 6 weeks ago I had my return to work meeting, and at the same time I gave my bosses my new bank details. I was told that was fine and would be dealt with.

That pay day came, and my wages went into the old account (must add this account is my partners, and is in arrears, we are just starting on a cccs dmp) Luckily this was before we had informed natwest, so we were able to "rescue" the money. I rang, a week later and asked why this had happened, and I was told that they were unable to change my bank details whilst I am on maternity leave (!)
So I had to give authority to remove me from maternity leave, and use my annual holiday instead. I was told that they had all of the details needed, and the money would go into my new account.

Brill I thought. Last Friday (pay day) I go to my new account to check balance, and to pay bills etc. My money is not there. OH goes and checks (the now not useable) old account and my money is there. So I ring Tesco and ask what has happened...they said they didnt have my new bank address, so the system had automatically sent it to my previous bank. They said that they would do a bacs track (or something like that) and retrieve the money. Later that day checked my account money not there, so I ring again and I am told that it would be done by Monday...well it is now Tuesday, and I still dont have my money. OH rang Natwest, and they stated that there is no record of Tesco having contacted them (she said that if Tesco had made contacted Friday, it would have been sent back immediately)

I desperately need my money. I have had to go and get nappies on the slate from the Co Op, I havent eaten since Sunday night because Im trying to ensure that the OH and DS have food. However, Im now seriously low on food, DS is meant to be going to the Hospital tomoz to see a dermatologist and I havent got the means to get him there.

I really need to get this sorted, but dont know how best to get them to sort it for me now. (before anyone asks, OH and I have a very tight budget, his money pays for mortgage, bills etc. My money buys our food and a few smaller bills etc.)
I just feel like im being played for a fool. I lost two weeks maternity pay, wasted 6 days of holidays (im only contracted 3 days a week) and despite promises that my money would go into the correct account, yet I am sat here starving, and no idea what I am going to give my son for his tea, and am well aware that my bills are going to be late, and that hospital appointment

Please help (and apologies for the epic post)

jazzyman01

I have to say I have never heard of not being able to change a bank account because of being on maternity leave.

May I suggest that you email your manager and the payroll advising that you will be taking out a payday loan (very expensive) because they have failed to a) change your bank account details and b) failed to carry out their promise to get the money back by Monday and that you expect them to pay the charges that you have incurred. Tell them that you need money to live, it is not a luxury!

Secondly I would ask why they could not change bank accounts while you were on maternity leave as you have been advised that this is not a valid reason. As such, you would expect to be compensated for the fact you came off your maternity leave early and used holiday which actually resulted in no change anyway! I would again state that you will expect this to be sorted within 5 working days or you will be seeking legal advice.

cord123

That is a load of rubbish.... god knows how your company do payroll but you being on maternity leave has no bearing at all on changing your account.... it goes through payroll exactly the same way. I would do as the above says and make it clear that you want your holiday credited back to you as the information you were given is incorrect!
I got married whilst on maternity leave and changed my account and they payroll was updated accordingly! If they didnt have the relevant info ie. bank address then they should have notified you... or even used a sort code checker online to find the bank... good luck!

smileylondongal

That's absolute rubbish - OF COURSE you can change your bank account details whilst on maternity leave! I'm actually quite angry that they forced you to come off mat leave and sacrifice holiday to permit them to do it too.

Firstly, is there any family or friend who could loan you some money?
Secondly, find out where the local CAB is and camp out half an hour before it opens - go there and explain what's happened. They will advise you on what to put in your letter and what next steps to take.

I am 99.9% sure that what they've done is illegal but I would go to a professional who could confirm this. I can't understand how these people think they can get away with this kind of thing!!

claire16c

I agree, this sounds totally outrageous and if it wasn't for the fact you need the money I would suggest you quit and work for someone else!

I cant believe youve been using up your holiday, I think you should ask for it back, what a cheek. Its easy to change the bank account to pay someone, takes 2 mins! Whether they are on maternity leave or not. And now you have used your holiday, they still couldnt pay you right so what was the point?

I would firstly call anyone who is expecting a bill from you, and explain you have been having problems with your employer paying you, and so you will be late with the bill but will be paying it, to try and make sure they dont charge you for anything.

Then see if you can borrow some money off a friend in order to get your partner to the hospital, or could someone just give him a lift? Like a neighbour or one of his friends?