What do I need to do on my return to work following maternity leave?

  1. If you were not eligible to receive employer funded nursery fees (Maintained Benefit) during your period of maternity leave and paid your fees directly to the nursery, when you return to work you can rejoin the salary exchange scheme.  To do this, you will need to complete a Workplace Nurseries Salary Exchange Scheme: Request for Change Form by the 21st of the month before you wish your salary exchange to recommence.
  2. If you received employer funded nursery fees (Maintained Benefit) during your period of maternity leave you will receive a 3rd letter – End of Maintained Benefit - from the Manager of Childcare Services.  This will detail the final payment arrangements for the last month of your maternity leave and information regarding reinstating your salary exchange.  This letter will be sent to your home address.

Option 1: in receipt of University Contractual Maternity Pay

  1. If you opted to take the University Contractual Maternity Pay, you will need to reinstate your salary exchange.
  2. Should your return to work date fall part way through a month rather than at the start/end of the month, the University will cover the nursery fees to the day before your return and you will be required to salary exchange in the normal way for the remainder of the month.
  3. The Childcare Services will reinstate your salary exchange based on the details as in 2). Should you wish to increase or decrease the value of your salary exchange for nursery fees, you should contact the Manager of Childcare Services on 01223 (7)65305 as soon as possible after receipt of your End of Maintained Benefit letter.

Option 2: in receipt of SMP or MA only

  1. If you opted to receive SMP only, or were only eligible to receive MA, from the beginning of your maternity leave and you are not returning to the University, you need take no further action.
  2. However, if you return to work at the University you will need to reinstate your salary exchange. You will need to ensure that the Childcare Services knows the amount you wish to salary exchange in the month of your return to work as well as the amount you wish to salary exchange on an ongoing basis. To do this it is imperative that you contact the Manager of Childcare Services on 01223 (7)65305 as soon as possible after receipt of your End of Maintained Benefit letter.
  3. If you claim University Maternity Pay in retrospect for the first 18 weeks of your maternity leave, you will be required to reimburse the University for the nursery fees they paid on your behalf during that time. This will be arranged through the Childcare Services and Payroll upon completion of the required 3 month period.