I am a full time teacher and I am having my first baby at the beginning of June 2005. Someone said there has been a change in maternity pay - I am going back to work in 2006. Am I going to be entitled to more that 26 weeks maternity pay? Someone mentioned they thought it had gone up to 9 months? If anyone can help I'd be very grateful, thank you!
It was mentioned in the pre budget statement so will come into practice in March I think. There is also a choice as to whether the father or the mother takes the 9 months.
I don't think it comes into force until 2007 and it allows you 52 weeks of statutory maternity pay (the �102 per week you get from the government but via your employer once your company maternity pay stops). I wish it was sooner too because my first baby's due at the end of May. Maybe next time!
You can have 26 weeks basic maternity leave and may then take an extended 26 weeks off. I'm due to have my first on August 11th, Unfortunately as I won't have been in my current job more than 26 weeks I am not entitled to maternity pay or extended maternity leave. I shall be going back to work after this 26 weeks though it seems mean on the baby. I have to provide for us to live!