when should my pregnant wife leave work

[tatu]

when should a woman leave work,,i think it is for 26 weeks? fully paid smp ? and i also think she can have a further 26 weeks out ,is this true? does she get full pay? i work also and im wondering if there is any other benefits that she can get ?

[redcrx]

i think that the first 6 weeks at at 90% of pay (or �120 approx if less) a week. Then the next 18 weeks are at �120 approx a week and after that a further 26 weeks can be taken at zero pay.

some employers have individual schemes and may increase the payment.

I think maternity can be taken from about 26 weeks, but unless she has a particular reason for needing to leave that early it may just be wasted time sat around waiting for the new arrival. Those last few weeks can drag out a bit.

she also doesnt have to take all the time off. The earliest she could return to work is 2 weeks after the birth of b aby.

all parents are entitled to child benefit, about �18 a week for first child, and MAY be entitled to family tax credits or working tax credits. The fanily tax credits will also help pay towards childcare if provided by a registered childminder or nursery.

[Ethel]

Up to 39 weeks SMP; 52 weeks Statutory Maternity Leave.

Lots of info here:

http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/Parents/Moneyandwo rkentitlements/WorkAndFamilies/Pregnancyandmat ernityrights/DG_10029285

It is impossible for anyone here to know your wife's company scheme and policy.

[pink-kittens]

Well I worked until I was 38 weeks plus pregnant - its not an illness you know you can work until the day your give birth if you like

[dot.hawkes]

our manager in the city centre store worked last wednesday megaday up to midnight and went into labour thursday morning 3 weeks early, it's not easy climbing ladders and carrying boxes of boots about when ungrateful customers are being hard work grrrr mum and daughter are doing well!!

[redcrx]

hi pink! i managed 42 weeks, whats wrong with you!!! :) x

[curiosity]

Most women try and stay as long as they can, so they can have more time afterwards. but it really depends on how the pregnancy goes, we had 2 staff nurses both due at the same time, one was tired and couldn't manage more weeks the other we had to spent her last day going into labour! and straight to the hospital.

[Velvetee]

I don't know wish I did, as I need to know.