Is only two months maternity legal?
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You should have 6 weeks at 90% of your pay before tax, and then £184.03 OR 90% for the next 33 weeks (whichever is lower).
As emily said, if you are employed then you get the above. It's paid from government so your company aren't paying you. They just claim it back.
You should get statutory mat pay on top of that (after the full pay) but each company sets its own. You are entitled I think to take at least 6 month, and up to a year (I think SMP is for 9 months) but companies do not have to pay ypu for that. My company gave 2 weeks full, 2 weeks @90%, then 5 months @ 50% plus SMP. After that I can take 3 months just SMP but it is nowhere near enough to live off. That is the issue realy, companies appear to let you take plenty of time, but it is not always financially viable.
If you’re in employment, you’re legally allowed statutory maternity pay, which is 90% of your full wage for 6 weeks, and then 90% or £184.03 (whichever is lowest) for 33 weeks, then zero for 12 weeks. If your work offer better than that, which it sounds like yours do, then that’s a bonus x
You'd be getting more than the minimum of smp
Depends how long you’ve been there too x
You have got a great enhanced package. BUT, check how long you need to return to work post mat leave. Most companies that have enhanced mat leave state you have to return for a certain time which is often around 6 months
Teachers don't get paid leave. You have to save your 12 sick days for years and then can use major family medical leave to hold your job (without pay) for additional time.
@Emily exactly what you have said. Getting two months full pay is slightly more than the minimum. Then having 4 months half pay is more than the minimum as well. You don’t have a case to argue with your employer as anything above the minimum is a nice gesture.
I should add legally you will be entitled to 1 year maternity. 2 months full pay 4 months half pay 3 months SMP the £184.03 per week. 3 months no pay You can also use time off to make up the year and during that time you will get full pay as your using holidays.
Some people only get 6 weeks 90% Up to the 9 months they get £184.03 per week. 3 months unpaid If you compare to what you’re getting it obvs is far better. I do get more from my employer for the first 6 months but it’s down to them to decide what they offer. It’s just down to you what you have saved yourself to stay off for as long as you can. So if you haven’t saved anything and have to go back after 2 months then that’s no else’s responsibility.
@Lesley yeah I wasn't going to argue, I just need a way to shut up the people who had babies who say they got months of full pay etc...! Thankyou!
Do you work for the same company? If not then that’s why. Another reason you would get different than someone else is if you haven’t worked for the company for long enough to get the full maternity package.
It could be policy in your work place as my work, 9 months paid and then 12 months I could take but wouldn’t get paid for 3 months plus my position may not be there when I choose to return so I chose 9 months. Have you questioned your boss or HR about this?