Dear all,

I'm due to go on maternity leave in the UK in May 2015 and I will take 39 weeks off. In addition to the Statutory Maternity Pay that is offered through the government my company has also offered me an additional £170 per week from week 7 until week 39 on the basis that I return to work for at least 12 months when my maternity leave ends. My question is, if I was to fall pregnant again during those 12 months and had the 2nd baby before the 12 months were up, would the maternity leave for the 2nd baby count towards those 12 months as I would still be employed by the company?

I know it's unlikely to happen but I just don't want to risk ending up in a situation where I owe the company £5610.

Many thanks,
Hanna

You need to read the contract. If the contract states that that, in order to be paid during your leave, you need to work for 12 months after your return, then the contract will, most likely, stipulate what happens if you leave prior to the completion of the 12 months.

For example you used 2 phrases; "return to work for at least 12 months" and "I would still be employed by the company". Those the phrases can be interpreted differently. In my opinion, "return to work" refers to actual working. So if you ceased to be able to work prior to the 12 months expiring, I would count you in breach of contract.

You may want to have a solicitor review the contract before signing it.

With the limited information and without reading the wording, no, it is likely not to be the case, they are looking for 12 months of employment.