Maternity policies Post Reply

[AbbevilleMummy]

Yes, they can deduct it. In my case it would have wiped out my final salary payment and I would have had another £13k to pay back on top which they said I would have to right a check for and that it needed to be paid within 14 days.

[AbbevilleMummy]

cheque!

[AbbevilleMummy]

write! (what is wrong with me today?!)

[Pop]

Sorry if not clear - bit sleep deprived today. The point I was trying to make (badly) is about the amount they can deduct from your final salary payment. If they refuse to waive their policy to reclaim the money, you should at least try to argue that it wouldn't be reasonable to take so much from your final pay that you'll default on your mortgage. Try to get them to agree to a more gradual and reasonable repayment plan.

[2009Kat]

I work in law, at my firm there is a 6 month policy. I know of people that have had to pay the money back. I have heard that my firm is considering removing the requirement because they are sick of people coming back and resigning after 3 months (as we have a 3 month notice period).
It seems most people just get pregnant again quickly and then reassess second time round (by saving the cash to pay back or having the babies so close together they only have to pay 1 mat leave back!!).

Good luck - hope everything works out for you. Ultimately you have to make sure you are in the right job so hopefully this process is a matter of short term pain for long term gain...

[JoEmpLawyer]

Hi there

I am an Employment lawyer, and just wanted to mention that Pop is right; they can't reclaim any statutory maternity pay, just contractual "additional" pay (i.e. whatever they've paid you above and beyond your basic entitlement). This is subject to the reclaim policy being part of your contract, but it sounds like this is the case.

If you are worried about any other aspect of this, or think a chat might help, I'd be happy to discuss (for free, without obligation) whenever convenient. If easier, feel free to email me (joanna.martin@smab.co.uk). My details are here, for info: http://www.smab.co.uk/people/employees/ ... artin.aspx

Good luck!

Jo

[PipG]

A friend worked for a law firm with this policy and, when she didn't return, they made her pay it back, despite her best efforts. I work for a large investment bank and they pay good maternity pay (6 months) with no repayment policy if you don't return.