Resigning after maternity leave

[Twinsplusonesurprise]

How does it work?
I'm still on smp which will finish end April - I think (9 months?)
I've worked out that I can't afford to go back to work because childcare costs for my 3 LOs will be more than I earn
What legal obligations do I have or how do I find out?

[ilovepowerhoop]

you just have to give the required notice as specified by your employer. Have you given them a return date or were you originally taking the full year off?

[Twinsplusonesurprise]

I said I'd take a year off and would be in touch to sort out how/when to return. Boss knows about potential childcare issues so I don't think he'll be surprised. Just want to make sure I don't do anything illegal!
Thanks ilovepowerhoop

[Felix90]

Did your employer pay you anything whilst on maternity leave? (Eg. I got paid 6 weeks at 90% of my wage then went on to SMP) Check your contract just in case there is a clause which states you'd have to pay anything back if you do not return after maternity leave ends.

[mumbaisapphirebluespruce]

Yes just give them the required notice. Only thing you need to consider is if your employer topped up your maternity pay over and above what the government pays. If they did, then not returning might mean you have to pay something back, but this varies by individual employer.

[Twinsplusonesurprise]

Thanks everyone. I'm on 1 months notice so guess I'll have to confirm by end March before my SMP finishes.
No, didn't get anything over the absolute minimum statutory so nothing to pay back.

[nikosmum2010]

Twins you should give them your last day as the day before your one year maternity leave is up, this way you will accrue annual leave also for the last 3 months which means a years annual leave and bank holidays that you should potentially get paid for.

[DinoSnores]

felix: "(Eg. I got paid 6 weeks at 90% of my wage then went on to SMP) "

That is SMP. You didn't get anything extra.

SMP is 90% of your wage for 6 weeks and the lower of £136.78 or 90% of your wages for the next 33 weeks.