Pay scale progression on maternity leave

penny_crayon

I am currently on maternity leave and due to progress on the pay scale this year. However while I have been on leave the pay policy has changed. It says that you have to have worked at least 26 weeks in the last year to get the next pay point. I have been told to come in to work ASAP to complete my appraisal and they will consider giving me a pay increase but can't make any promises. Also got told I had to do KIT days, which I haven't done? Where do I stand on this?

Savvy_Sue

I don't think what they are saying is unreasonable. Is there a problem with doing some KIT days? I know my colleagues have found it very helpful (and so have we).

sammyjammy

I believe its normal for maternity pay to exempt from these kind of rules however if you are into an extended Mat leave period you may be affected. KIT days are quite normal for those taking extended leave but again I don#t think this would apply if you are in your period of statutory mat leave.

penny_crayon

Well, my application for pay progression has been declined, as I have been on maternity leave :-( looks like I will have to wait for an appeal hearing.

Another_not_new_user

I need some clarification on the actual words used. If it is policy and applies to everyone regardless of circumstances, then it is policy and that is tough luck. But being on maternity leave is classed as working. So in this case, words are crucial

penny_crayon

I have not worked for 26 working weeks over the last year was the reason given.

penny_crayon

Savvy_Sue wrote: »

I don't think what they are saying is unreasonable. Is there a problem with doing some KIT days? I know my colleagues have found it very helpful (and so have we).

Problem 1: I have to arrange childcare for 2 children

Problem 2: I'm receiving childcare vouchers so I would effectively get no pay for the KIT day as the pay would be sacrificed

notanewuser

penny_crayon wrote: »

I have not worked for 26 working weeks over the last year was the reason given.

Have you had 26 weeks of SMP?

Takeaway_Addict

penny_crayon wrote: »

I have not worked for 26 working weeks over the last year was the reason given.

Yes...but what is the wording of the actual policy.

EDIT: I'm interested to hear though why even if its policy for everyone that maternity leave doesn't class as working.

JReacher1

penny_crayon wrote: »

Problem 1: I have to arrange childcare for 2 children

Problem 2: I'm receiving childcare vouchers so I would effectively get no pay for the KIT day as the pay would be sacrificed

I may be a bit dense here but doesn't point 2 pay for point 1? What else can you spend childcare vouchers on but childcare?

Another_not_new_user

penny_crayon wrote: »

I have not worked for 26 working weeks over the last year was the reason given.

So ANYONE who hasn't been present in the workplace for this period of time is caught in the same policy trap?

penny_crayon wrote: »

Problem 1: I have to arrange childcare for 2 children You are on maternity leave for one child. If you were not on maternity leave for a second child you would still have to attend work AND sort out childcare for the first child. So this is actually not a "problem".

Problem 2: I'm receiving childcare vouchers so I would effectively get no pay for the KIT day as the pay would be sacrificed

I am afraid your childcare is not the employers concern. Would it not have been better to keep in touch with work - was it really worth the (possible) principle of "getting paid" v. childcare vouchers (which means it would cost you nothing to go in either?)