Does being on maternity leave affect my staff discount?? United kingdom only please?

Question

Hello there i was in my work (woolworths plc) today buying some stuff and tried to use my collegue discount and it was declined and removed from my person.

Surely as a employee i am am still entitled to my staff discount as i still work for the company until i decide wether i will be returning to my work after the birth of my child??

I have checked all of the maternity pack that they provided for me and it doesnt mention anything about staff discount being removed until they return to work.

This is a company that provide a discount card for there retired members of staff that arent even bring in any money for them, yet i am still employed with them, sure this cant be right??

Has anyone experience this before?? as with my last job (co-op) they never removed my discount from me when i was expecting my first child and i still get a discount card sent through every year... I am really annoyed but i know each company has its own rules.

thanks in advance

Answer 1

If you are on maternity leave you continue to accrue all benefits accept remuneration (i.e. pay).

This means that if you get any benefits you are still entitled to them.  I don't think that a discount card constitutes remuneration so I think you should still be allowed to use it.

Are you in the union?  Your representative will know...

Answer 2

Im surprised about this.  I thought the idea of Maternity leave was that you were still contracted to the company (and effectively still a full member of staff), certainly thats what my understanding of the maternity leave rules were.  Im fairly certain theres a directive covering this but cant remember which one.  Give the C.A.B. a call.  though i expect that discount is deemed as an extra "perk" and not part of your remuneration package detailed on your contract.

I hope you sort it.