I work for local government also and am entitled to 13 weeks paid Mat leave which I can take at a half pay over 26 weeks. I am also eligible for the full 12 months leave including the paid portion, the remaining time is unpaid.

I can also be paid out any accured Annual leave but cannot take the time for it (so if I had 4 weeks annual leave I couldn't take 12 months mat followed by 4 weeks annual)

There is also an additional 12 months unpaid leave for parents which is not widely publicized.

We will also be recieving the Governments Baby Bonus - not sure how much that is but I think that is also paid either in a lump sum or in instalments - last year it was a lump sum butits changed so I will let you know in a few months time

Miss Excitied - I was under the impression that the governments paid Mat leave scheme was not replacing the current baby bonus but was instead of the baby bonus for people who's employers do not offer the paid mat leave. Its more than the baby bonus but then the mother is not eligible for the FTB ?? or something like that. I am sure someone with more of an idea will be able to go into more details about that


Nae x