Overpaid whilst on maternity

[WorkerBee]

Hi,

 

I am new to this site and to the whole concept of forums so please bear with me. I hope someone can offer me some advice on my situation.

I began maternity leave on April 7th 2009 I have recently informed my manager of my return date with a request for flexible working hours. Shortly after this contact I recieved a letter telling me an error had occured and that I had been overpaid whilst on maternity. My place of work offer nothing towards SMP, this is what I should have been paid, as it is I have been paid in full as I would if I was not on maternity leave. The letter informed me the error was the mistake of HR. That I now owe £11,000 (with a summary outining how this figure amounted) and that I should contact HR immediately to explain why I have witheld this information and to discuss possibilities to pay the amount back. The letter also informed me that due to the over payment I would now not receive any SMP for the months of December and January (I had planned on returning to work in February).

I have spoken to HR, two things have since been agreed; firstly after I queried my lack of SMP over the next two months and the hardship this would put me in they have agreed to pay the full amount of SMP to me. Secondly we have agreed a meeting to discuss the repayment, this will be held in convienient location for me and will be attended by myself, my line manager (appointed whilst i have been on leave, this will be our first introduction) and a HR advisor. this will be held on 22nd dec.

 

If anyone could advise me of my rights I would really appreciate it. The prospect of returning to work was already stressful enough I am feeling very nervous about this meeting and would like to armour myself as best I can with knowledge of my rights, and procedures I and the company should follow.

 

Thanks,

 

Stacey

[elpulpo]

Were you aware of what you were supposed to be paid before you commenced maternity leave?

Did you receive payslips during your maternity?

Were you aware that you were being overpaid?

[WorkerBee]

Hi,

 

yes I was aware of what I should have been paid and yes I do receive payslips, but I don't open these I pass them on to my partner who stores until needed and my partner deals with our finances all our incomings and outgoings go into a joint account which he manages, so no I did not realise the mistake and partner tells me he too didn't know a mistake had been made.