I know that if you start a new job while on maternity leave you have to pay back any SMP you receive for that time but wondered if you could set up being self-employed whilst still on maternity leave or do you again have to pay back any SMP?
I was under the impression that the only money that an employer can recoup is any contractual maternity benefit that they provide over and above the SMP. Might be worth phoning the ACAS helpline on 08457 47 47 47 to confirm this.
You do not have to pay back SMP, you will only have to pay back anything if your company has a higher/added maternity rate - experienced this first hand !