Can you work another job while on maternity leave? ·

20 Jun 2024, 00:00

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Can You Work Another Job While On Maternity Leave?

Whether you’re pregnant or planning to have a baby, one of the major concerns you’ll have is whether you can work another job while on maternity leave from your existing job. This is a common question and there are different answers depending on the individual’s specific situation.

If you’re considering taking on another job while on maternity leave, there are a few things you need to keep in mind. It’s essential to understand how maternity leave works and the legal provisions that protect pregnant women and new mothers.

In this article, we’ll provide you with all the information you need to know about working another job while on maternity leave. Plus, we’ll answer some of the most commonly asked questions to give you more insight into this topic.

1. Can You Work Another Job While On Statutory Maternity Leave?

If you’re on statutory maternity leave, you can work for your current employer during your leave period. However, working for another employer during your maternity leave period is not allowed.

Statutory maternity leave is a period of up to 52 weeks, and you have the right to take this time off work. During this period, you’re entitled to receive statutory maternity pay if you qualify.

Working for another employer during your statutory maternity leave period may be risky, and it’s not recommended. You could lose your statutory maternity pay entitlement, and your employer may take disciplinary action if you breach any terms of your employment contract.

2. Can You Work Another Job While On Enhanced Maternity Leave?

If your employer provides enhanced maternity leave, your employment contract will state what you’re allowed to do during your leave period. Some employers may allow you to work for another employer during your enhanced maternity leave, while others may not.

Enhanced maternity leave is an agreement between you and your employer. It’s essential to understand the terms of this agreement, which should be outlined in your employment contract.

If you’re thinking of working for another employer during your enhanced maternity leave, discuss it with your employer first. Make sure you get their permission in writing before taking on any additional work.

3. Can You Work For Yourself While On Maternity Leave?

If you’re self-employed, you can continue to work during your maternity leave. You’re not restricted from taking on additional work, and you won’t lose your entitlements to maternity pay.

However, if you’re entitled to maternity allowance, which is a government benefit for self-employed mothers, you may face some restrictions on the work you can do while receiving the allowance.

If you’re self-employed and planning to take on additional work during your maternity leave period, it’s essential to let your accountant or tax advisor know. This will ensure that you get the correct advice on how your additional work could affect your taxes.

4. Can You Work Part-Time During Maternity Leave?

If you want to work part-time during your maternity leave, you can arrange it with your employer. However, you must be careful about taking on additional work during your part-time hours.

If you work for another employer during your part-time hours, you may risk losing your entitlements to maternity pay. In addition, your employer may take disciplinary action against you if you breach the terms of your employment contract.

The best way to avoid any issues when working part-time during maternity leave is to discuss it with your employer. Make sure you get their permission in writing and that you understand the terms of your agreement.

5. Can You Do Freelance Work During Maternity Leave?

If you’re a freelancer, you can continue to work during your maternity leave. However, you should be careful about taking on too much work during this time.

Freelance work can be unpredictable, and if you take on too much work, it could affect your health and wellbeing. Remember, maternity leave is a time to rest and recover before returning to work. It’s essential to prioritize your health and your baby’s health during this time.

If you’re thinking of taking on freelance work during your maternity leave, make sure you have a clear agreement with your clients. You should also discuss this with your midwife or doctor to ensure it won’t affect your health.

6. Can You Start A New Job While On Maternity Leave?

Yes, you can start a new job while on maternity leave. However, you should be aware that this may end your maternity leave entitlements.

If you start a new job during your maternity leave, you’ll no longer be entitled to statutory maternity pay or any other benefits provided by your previous employer.

Starting a new job during maternity leave may also affect your entitlements to maternity allowance if you’re self-employed. It’s essential to discuss this with your accountant or tax advisor before making any decisions.

7. Can Your Employer Refuse To Let You Work Another Job During Maternity Leave?

Yes, if your employment contract prohibits you from taking on additional work, your employer can refuse to let you work for another employer while on maternity leave.

It’s essential to understand the terms of your employment contract and discuss any additional work with your employer. If you breach your employment contract, your employer may take disciplinary action, and you could lose your entitlements to maternity pay.

If you’re unsure about what you’re allowed to do during your maternity leave, ask your employer for clarification. It’s better to be safe and get permission in writing than risk losing your statutory entitlements.

8. How Do You Apply For Maternity Pay?

To apply for maternity pay, you need to let your employer know that you’re pregnant. You should do this at least 15 weeks before your due date.

Your employer will then give you a maternity certificate (MAT B1), which you need to apply for statutory maternity pay.

You can apply for statutory maternity pay up to 11 weeks before your due date. You can do this by completing an SMP1 form, which your employer will provide. You’ll need to send this form to your local Jobcentre Plus office.

If you’re self-employed, you can apply for maternity allowance instead of statutory maternity pay. To do this, you need to apply at least 14 weeks before your due date. You can do this online or by filling out a paper form.

9. How Much Maternity Pay Are You Entitled To?

The amount of maternity pay you’re entitled to depends on your employment status and earnings. If you’re an employee, you’re entitled to statutory maternity pay for up to 39 weeks if you meet certain criteria.

Statutory maternity pay is paid at 90% of your average weekly earnings for the first six weeks, followed by £145.18 per week or 90% of your average weekly earnings (whichever is lower) for the next 33 weeks.

If you’re self-employed, you may be eligible for maternity allowance. This is a government benefit for self-employed mothers, and the amount you’re entitled to depends on your National Insurance contributions.

10. What Happens If You Become Sick During Maternity Leave?

If you become sick during your maternity leave, you may be entitled to statutory sick pay or company sick pay, depending on your employment status.

Your entitlement to statutory sick pay or company sick pay will depend on the terms of your employment contract. If you’re unsure about what you’re entitled to, speak to your employer.

If you’re self-employed, you won’t be entitled to sick pay, but you may be able to claim disability benefits if your illness meets certain criteria.

11. Can You Work From Home During Maternity Leave?

If your employer allows you to work from home, you can work from home during your maternity leave. However, you should be careful about taking on too much work during this time.

Maternity leave is a time to rest and recover before returning to work, and it’s essential to prioritize your health and your baby’s health during this time.

If you’re thinking of working from home during your maternity leave, discuss it with your employer first. Make sure you get their permission in writing and that you understand the terms of your agreement.

12. Can Your Employer Contact You During Maternity Leave?

Your employer can contact you during your maternity leave but only to discuss your return to work or any other important work-related matters.

Your employer cannot expect you to work or attend meetings during your maternity leave. If you’re self-employed, your clients can contact you, but you should set clear boundaries and expectations around what work you’ll do during your maternity leave.

It’s essential to prioritize your health and your baby’s health during your maternity leave. If you feel that your employer or clients are making unreasonable demands, discuss it with them or seek legal advice.

13. What Happens If You Decide Not To Return To Work?

If you decide not to return to work after your maternity leave, you should let your employer know as soon as possible. You may need to pay back any maternity pay or other benefits you received during your leave.

If you’re self-employed, you won’t need to pay back any maternity allowance, but you should inform the government that you’re not returning to work.

It’s essential to understand the terms of your employment contract and any agreements with your clients if you’re self-employed. Make sure you discuss your plans with your employer or clients and get any agreements in writing.

14. Can Your Employer Discriminate Against You Because Of Your Pregnancy?

No, your employer cannot discriminate against you because of your pregnancy. This includes dismissing you, reducing your pay or hours, refusing to give you work-related benefits, or treating you less favorably than other employees because of your pregnancy.

If you feel that you’ve been discriminated against because of your pregnancy, you should speak to your employer first. If this doesn’t resolve the issue, you can seek legal advice or contact the Equality Advisory and Support Service.

15. What Support Is Available For Pregnant Women And New Mothers?

There are various support services available for pregnant women and new mothers, including:

The National Childbirth Trust (NCT) – a charity that provides information and support to new parents.

Mumsnet – an online community for parents offering advice and support.

Mind – a mental health charity that provides information and support on mental health during pregnancy and after birth.

Working Families – a charity that provides advice and support on work-related issues for parents.

In addition, you may be able to access financial support, such as maternity pay or maternity allowance. It’s essential to understand your entitlements and seek advice if you’re unsure.

Conclusion

Working another job while on maternity leave is a complicated issue, and the answer will depend on your specific situation and maternity leave entitlements. It’s essential to understand your rights, your employment contract, and any agreements with your clients if you’re self-employed.

If you’re thinking of working another job during your maternity leave, discuss it with your employer or seek legal advice to avoid any legal issues. Remember, maternity leave is a time to rest and recover before returning to work, and it’s essential to prioritize your health and your baby’s health during this time.

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Can you work another job while on maternity leave?

Contents Whether youre pregnant or planning to have a baby, one of the major concerns youll have is whether you can work another job while on maternity leave from your existing job. This is a common question and there are different answers depending on the individuals specific situation.