Maternity pay and self-employed income

[Shanks]

A friend, a primary school teacher, is currently on maternity leave. Her child was born six weeks ago and she is now two months into her leave. Alongside her teaching career she runs dance classes a couple of time a week at a local gym. She handed this business over to a colleague to manage while she was on leave so her only income for the last two months has been her smp. She has a very good relationship with the school, they are aware of her dancing classes, and has agreed a plan in principle for her return when the child is a bit older.

 

She would now like to pick up on a couple of her dance classes. Although not ready to start back in full time employment, she would benefit from a couple of hour long classes in the evening, if only for the company and exercise herself.

 

How would any income she gets from this impact on the maternity pay that she gets form her employer? I think it's worth noting that she has registered her business and declared all her income from the self employment with HMRC etc. to date and is keen to keep that record up, she doesn't want to jeopardise her position or make a mess of the smp.

 

Thanks for any advice.

 

Cheers

[lottieapple]

Hi Shanks

 

Difficult subject and not very clear but I believe that the following link may clarify the issue http://www.dwp.gov.uk/publications/specialist-guides/technical-guidance/ni17a-a-guide-to-maternity/statutory-maternity-pay-smp/working-in-your-maternity-pay/

 

The third paragraph states "If you do any work in a self-employed capacity during your MPP, then such work will not affect your SMP"

 

Good News for your friend!

 

Hope that helps

 

L x

[Shanks]

Hi Lottiapple and thanks for taking the time to reply. That link seems to be exactly what I was looking for and offers some good news for us into the bargain.

 

Thanks again for your help. Cheers