Pregnant - what happens now?

chevalier

I think that when you tell your employer you are pregnant that they should give you an illustration of what you pay will be whilst on maternity leave. I can't see that they wouldn't pay you for work already done, but it would depend on your contract.

Good advice about cutting back now. You don't mention if you have any debts, but obviously if you do then the more you can pay off when you have your proper salary the better.

Also if you can cut back now then you will be used to the drop when you actually lose the whole wage.

Remember babies don't have to be expensive. First off you will get offers of clothes etc from friends and family. Say yes to all of it, and then any that you don't like can be quietly given away. Secondly have a look on www.freecycle.org for bigger stuff. I regularly see on my group baby baths, car seats (though I would buy this new, probably the only thing I would), cots etc. So don't just assume it will cost a fortune.

chev

debrag

well it's not really saying 'do work now & please come back' is it if you are getting nothing for your effort

Kevicho

I dont think your employers would legally be allowed to hold back commision, the fact that it gets paid up to 5 months in arrears I think is irrelevant, as
at the end of the day you have fulfilled there criteria for commision by making the sale.

I definately think you should have a go over your contract to find this out, also I would class it as descrimination if you were not given this money based on your pregnancy.


If your contract says you dont i would consult with a solicitor to find out if this is the case.

chunky79

just a quick thought and it will need to be checked but are all bonuses paid on what everyone sells or just your own?

When i was on maternity i was paid bonuses still as it was a group effort not a single one and although your off work you are still employed as though working iyswim Take a look at this link it as all you legal rights here xx

http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/Parents/Moneyandworkentitlements/Parentalleaveandpay/DG_10029285

cheltenhamgirl

G-G wrote: »

I don't see why you wouldn't get the commision for the sales you made?! You made the sales after all and it's not your fault when you are meant to get the money that you are on maternity. Obviously if you ask your work, or tell them might be better, incase they try and get out of it.

Best of luck!

That's exactly how I see it.....not sure the company does though. just looked at Company Handbook and it says this...

'During ordinary maternity leave, the contract of employment continues and all benefits (with the exception of remuneration I.E. basic salary, commission/bonus) under your contract continue to accrue as if you were not absent from work'

I'm not ready to tell work yet so can't ask HR or anything....

chunky79

Any commision that you have earnt should be paid though as you have earnt it.

wigglebeena

cheltenhamgirl wrote: »

That's exactly how I see it.....not sure the company does though. just looked at Company Handbook and it says this...

'During ordinary maternity leave, the contract of employment continues and all benefits (with the exception of remuneration I.E. basic salary, commission/bonus) under your contract continue to accrue as if you were not absent from work'

I'm not ready to tell work yet so can't ask HR or anything....

Maybe it means you're not accruing any extra commission as you're not in there doing any deals. Could be completely separate from the whole 'paid in arrears' issue.

the deals you've already done they surely already owe you. don't see how they could get out of that. doesn't the term 'in arrears' means exactly that.

mrcow

cheltenhamgirl wrote: »

sorry, mrcow, I know it's no your fault at all, but do you know why that is?

I feel quite annoyed by that... What's the incentive for me to sell anything over the next 6 months then as I won't get any money for it?

When you are on maternity leave, your normal pay conditions stop. I also work in sales and have been on maternity leave with a couple of companies and haven't got my commision from either.

Your other benefits would still apply though and you would still accrue holiday which you could always look at cashing in if your employer allows that? If not, tag all your annual leave onto the front or end of your maternity leave and you'll obviously be paid 100% for that leave.

Your employer could make discretionary commission payments if they wanted to, but that would be entirely up to them.

As for your incentive for doing your job properly whilst leading up to your maternity leave, that will all depend on what kind of atmosphere you want to go back to when your maternity leave finishes (if you are looking to return to work at all?)

I know all about pay cuts btw......with my first son, I gave up work after having him and went from a full time sales job of £39k plus car to a part time job of £3k! It is do-able! I just knew that my full time job was too demanding to be able to juggle a baby into the equation and so a decision as to what I wanted my priorities to be had to be made (although it wasn't all that hard! )

misspoppy

Hi

As you don't want to speak to HR yet why don't you call ACAS for advice regarding your commision. Its best to know your rights so you can't be fobbed off.

Good luck

immoral_angeluk

I can't add to the advice you've already had but just wanted to say a big congratulations