Is it legal to be made to work a week in hand after maternity leave?

[chickpea25]

I have just returned to work after a years maternity leave. I have worked for the company for over 10 years.After querying why I hadn't been paid for my first week back I was told I would have to work a week in hand. Is this legal?

[buildersmate]

Your terms should not be any different from what they were before, or indeed what terms other similar employees enjoy. Are you being singled out for different treatment?

[hc4361]

It is usual to be paid a week in arrears, the wages department can't make your wages up on the day you are paid.

[R1Geezer]

when you first started the job did you work a week in hand? if so did you get 2 weeks pay when you went on maternity leave? if do then they are simply recreating that scenario.

[dothawkes31]

When anyone new starts with your firm the week before pay day, so they get paid? i would imagine not, most salaries or monthly paid employees are given the same cut off day in the month, before the cut off any overtime or adsence is calculated into that months pay, after the cut off, the adjustment is made in the followign montsh pay, iot's always been the same hasn't it?

[guernseyman]

Doesn't working a week in hand actually mean that you work for two weeks before getting paid, and then when you leave you get two weeks pay instead of just your last weeks?

[buildersmate]

Correct. And it isn't 'usual' at all, as hc asserts - though maybe is 'usual' for his employment.

[ABerrant]

How 'usual' it is to be paid week in hand is obviously a matter of perspective. It may not be 'usual' for millions of workers but for the (also) millions of British workers who receive their wages in this manner it would indeed be 'usual'.