Maternity leave x
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I was due Aug 9th took mat leave mid June. So worth it. Definitely needed that mental break from work to focus on the baby coming. Being out of the heat was also a major factor
I would have said that was too early. But depends on your situation. My maternity leave is 12 weeks of unpaid leave so I’m trying to work as close to my due date as possible. But if you’re not planning on returning to your job, does it matter when you take it?
I stopped at 39 but I didn’t have a choice. Would’ve done about a month if I was.
I’m taking leave 6 weeks before bubs is due. Gives me time to relax and get things sorted. Plus I don’t want to work heavily pregnant and deal with stress of work.
If you are able to I would work for longer to give you more time with baby. While you can be off for 52 weeks you will only get SMP for 39 of those. And even though baby is due 18th August you may be even looking at the 1st of sept before baby make an entrance If you want to finish then do you have any option to use annual leave?
Seems v late to me. I’m working until 38 weeks and taking a week annual leave before my mat leave kicks in.
I’d work until 31 July, have 2 weeks (potentially 4 if baby is late) so you get more paid leave with baby
I think it’s all down to personal preference and when you’d be looking to return back to work. I only took 9 months leave so wanted as much time off with baby, so went a week prior to due date. A couple girls I know went like 6/8 weeks before due date, baby was 2 weeks late for both. Both had a year off, however obviously had to go back before the birthday as they went off earlier. Depends on your type of job too, stress levels, on your feet etcetc. I have a stress free office job so was happy to work as long as I did, and I’m doing again this pregnancy.
I went off a month before my due date and honestly it was lush! I rested and it was nice to just have time for me for a bit
I was planning to work up to 39 weeks as I knew I would get bored. But she's came at 38 weeks after 2 weeks of being extremely swollen so I was told To stay at home 🫠 depends if you get bored or not? I can't stand just sitting about and weather your travelling to work (on the train) etc as that does get tiring. Possibly ask if you can work from Home For the last 3 weeks xx
You’ve said in the post you will get 52 weeks paid at SMP rate for your maternity leave. Just a warning that this will count as ‘enhanced’, I.e the company is paying you more than they have to. Because statutory is only for 39 weeks and then 13 weeks unpaid. This may mean when you resign at the end of your maternity leave you will have to pay back the enhanced bit- unless you return to work for a certain period, usually 6months. Make sure you check your policy in full before making any decisions.
Remember SMP is only for the first nine months and then the last three are unpaid. In case that affects your calculations!
I’m due 21st, taking holiday for 2 weeks form the 1st then starting mat leave a week before due date :)
Depends if this gives you less time with baby at the end of mat leave? (Or not if changing job?)
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I had a month off before my due date as I had outstanding annual leave to use and then baby was 9 days late. And I was sooooo bored! If I ever have a 2nd id try and work closer to my due date x
Such varied responses… it all depends on your situation. How you are feeling and how work is affecting you. Unfortunately you don’t know when your baby will arrive so it is a bit of a guessing game.
I had planned to take 2 weeks off before baby was due but she ended up being 5 weeks early and I went into labour while working 😂 I wish I would have had at least a week before to get myself prepared x
Isn’t SMP only for 9 months not 12? I would say mat leave before 36 weeks is excessive unless you have a very physical job. Do you have any annual leave to take instead of mat leave?
I had a very physical job and travelled over 2 hours a day and I went ag 37weeks. It was earlier than I wanted but I had some commitments I had to take time for and it didn't make sense to come back. I wasn't bored but ag some point you're just waiting for labour to happen. I wouldn't take too much. Time before
I took mine a month early from my due date and I’m glad I did as I ended up getting induced 3 weeks early it gave me time to get things done and relax before hand. Do what’s best for you, if you can take it take it.