Paternity and Maternity

What Are the Procedures for Maternity and Paternity Pay for Umbrella Employees?

When operating via an umbrella business, many agency workers are uncertain of their rights. Let’s clear one of the most important questions up about becoming a parent while working through an umbrella.

Firstly, an overview of your position… in essence, you work for our company and have parental rights as a result. We adhere to government regulations for UK employees, and you can read all of our policies in your contractor handbook. But, here is a short explanation for you:

Maternity Leave

You may take up to 52 weeks of statutory maternity leave if you have a child. While you are not required to take all 52 weeks, you may not go back to work for the first two weeks after the birth.

Are there any prerequisites for statutory maternity pay eligibility?

According to the UK government website, “if you have at least 26 weeks of service by the end of the 15th week prior to the due date of your child, you may be eligible for Statutory Maternity Pay (SMP) as long as your average weekly earnings are at or above the Lower Earnings Limit for National Insurance.”

As a result, you will be qualified for SMP if you have worked for an umbrella company for 26 weeks (a little more than 6 months).

How can I claim SMP?

Inform us and be prepared to keep communication lines open.
You must give us written notice by the 15th week prior to the week in which your child is expected to be born. You need to remember to include:

  • that you are pregnant
  • the week that your due date falls in
  • the day you anticipate beginning your maternity leave
  • the day you will begin submitting your SMP claim

You will need a Mat B1 form

Regardless of whether you’re employed full-time, part-time or self-employed, you must submit a MAT B1 form in order to be eligible for maternity pay and benefits. The form enables a pregnant woman to apply for Maternity Allowance (MA) from Jobcentre Plus or Statutory Maternity Pay from us as your employer.

When you reach 20 weeks of pregnancy or shortly thereafter, when you have your regular appointment, your midwife or doctor should give you your MATB1 form. The form cannot be distributed earlier than this.

Giving your healthcare provider a prod if you haven’t received your paperwork is worthwhile because you’ll need to deliver it to your employer in time to make a claim for Statutory Maternity Pay.

Then what?

Your claim will be processed by our payroll department, and they will let you know the results of the calculation for your SMP Payments.

What will I be getting?

The payroll system will compute the sum using the data you provided. SMP has a 39-week payment period. SMP will be paid at 90% of your weekly average earnings for the first six weeks then will be compensated for the remaining 33 weeks at the standard rate, which is outlined in guidance and periodically revised. SMP will be paid at 90% of your average weekly earnings throughout if your average weekly earnings are less than the normal rate.

Will there be any fees?

Standard tax and National Insurance deductions will be applicable, and SMP will be paid subject to the umbrella margin.

What if I'm ineligible for SMP?

You can apply for maternity allowance even if you don’t match the requirements. For up to 39 weeks, the Jobcentre Plus will pay for this. Recent National Insurance contributions will affect the rate paid to you.

Full details can be found at: www.GOV.UK – Maternity Allowance. You can complete their online form here.

During my maternity leave, am I allowed to work?

You are permitted to work up to 10 days while on maternity leave. Your right to maternity leave and SMP will not be impacted if you choose to work these days. If you choose to participate in Keep In Touch (KIT) days or perform some work, kindly let us know.

What about my perks as an employee?

Your normal terms and conditions will continue to be in effect throughout your maternity leave, with the exception of those that pertain to your pay and salary.

What happens if I adopt a child?

There are options for parallel arrangements when adopting a child.

Paid Paternity Leave

Are there any prerequisites for statutory paternity pay (SSP) eligibility?

You must have worked for us for at least 26 weeks by the end of the 15th week prior to the due date, just like for statutory maternity pay.

It is required to take statutory paternity leave within 56 days of the baby’s birth.

How do I apply for SPP?

Write to us at least 15 weeks before delivery and let us know:

  • the week that your due date falls in
  • When you want your leave to begin, such as the day of delivery or the week following delivery
  • If you want a week or two off

What will I be getting?

The payroll system will compute the sum using the data you provided. SPP has a two-week pay period. Statutory paternity pay is provided at a specific amount per week (specified by law) or, if less, 90% of median wages.

Will there be any fees?

The standard tax and National Insurance deductions will be made, and SPP will be paid subject to the umbrella margin.

What happens if I adopt?

There are options for parallel arrangements when adopting a child.

If you have any questions relating to your rights when becoming a parent while working with SwanHealth please do not hesitate to contact us, we’re here to help and we’d love to alleviate any concerns that you may have.