Bonus payment when on Maternity Pay

lou8311

I recently won a contract for my company and my agreed bonus was split into two payments. I have received the first one but the second one is due when I am on Maternity Leave.
Can the bonus still be paid while I am on Maternity Leave or do I need to wait until I return to work.

Any help much appreaciated.

Thanks

Guest101

Bonuses are usually discretionary, so there is no set rule.

lou8311

Thank you, so in theory if they wanted to be nice they could then. I doesn't affect SMP in anyway?

agrinnall

I don't know about the possible effect on SMP but the questions are ones that need to be asked of your employer rather than on a forum where we won't have a clue what the employer's rules are. If there is an impact on SMP if it's paid while you're on maternity leave it may be worth asking if it can be delayed until you return to work.

lou8311

It is a small company so there are no specific rules in place (I know as I write most of the policies). I was just asking if it was possible from a legal point of view or if SMP means that no other payments can be made to an employee.

agrinnall

lou8311 wrote: »

It is a small company so there are no specific rules in place (I know as I write most of the policies). I was just asking if it was possible from a legal point of view or if SMP means that no other payments can be made to an employee.

So who do you normally go to when you have HR questions? Asking on the internet isn't really a very professional way to do it.

Madbags

You can still receive other payments while receiving SMP.


It won't affect the amount you get as your entitlement is calculated before you even start your maternity.


You will most likely pay tax and NI that period though.

[Deleted User]

lou8311 wrote: »

It is a small company so there are no specific rules in place (I know as I write most of the policies). I was just asking if it was possible from a legal point of view or if SMP means that no other payments can be made to an employee.

Your maternity pay is determined by your average salary in the weeks prior to the 15th week before your EWC -= so some time ago! It is a statutory payment and your bonus or any other payment (holiday pay) has no bearing on the amount.