What am I entitled to returning from maternity leave?

[Poppysmummy92]

Long complicated story but my maternity leave finished on the 8th April 2022 but my employer and I are finalising a settlement offer as I’m not returning but nothing has yet been agreed. Nothing has ever been discussed about me physically working again in the office or from home so as of the 8th April I haven’t logged on again or done any work.

It’s a huge company so payroll would have no idea who I am to notice I’m not working. But I wondered do I automatically go back on payroll as my maternity leave has officially ended? I also assume once I’ve agreed the settlement figure I’ll hand in my notice and then I’ll be paid my notice but it seems strange to not be being paid now but be being paid my notice!

Any advice welcome!

It should detail in your settlement agreement when ur finishing up with them along with any money due to u. I think u would need to go back and query this with ur manager or whoever is dealing with the settlement.
Settlements are case by case so it would be hard to advise without knowing all facts and seeing paperwork.

Oh ok! I did wonder whether it would all be outlined in the settlement agreement.

I have asked my manager who’s dealing with it but he notoriously takes weeks if not months to reply so thought I’d ask on here in the meantime!

Thank you x

The settlement agreement will outline your last day of service, the amount and the notice period. You should also be entitled to contractual a/l accrued on mat leave.

You should have to take the draft to a solicitor or registered adviser to seek independent advice. This is usually paid by the Employer. It is important that you negotiate an agreed reference.

It would be advisable to drop a note to your line manager, noting your last day of service and the day that your notice period started from. If it is a large company it would be helpful to copy in the head of HR.

Didn’t your employment solicitor that took the case explain all this to you?