regarding maternity leave?

[Newmummytobe79]

This is a bit hypothetical as I havn't made my final decision as yet - but here goes.

I say this, as by the time I'm due back to work I may be really keen to get back in the swing of things - but bear with me!

I work for a small company - no HR department.

I said to my boss that I'd probably be off for the 9 months SMP and would return after that. I have decided I would like to take the 12 months - do I need to give notice of this?

Also, I'm really not sure I want to return to my role. It's a long commute, unsociable hours, weekend work etc etc but feel that as it's such a small company I should give them as much warning as possible.

I don't think the company will be very impressed I want to take the whole 12 months, therefore if I were to leave, I would probably give my 3 months notice early so they have more time to replace me.

I don't want to take the mick re holidays but is the likelyhood that I'd get paid my accrued holidays over the 9 months rather than 12 if I hand my notice in early?

I know I can legally take the 12 months, hand my notice in at 9 and receive a full years holiday - but I feel this would be unfair if I do decide to leave my job as I work for such a small company.

Also - what is the protocol? Do you get called in for a meeting? Can I send it in the post? I'm a wuss ... so postal option prefered!

How many months into the mat leave are you now?

6 months

You are entitled to take the full year and if that's what you want then you should tell them - they have to assume you are taking the year, but if you have said upfront you would only take 9 months then you should let them know that you will be taking 12 as they have to plan around this.

I honestly think you are best off telling them now you want to take the 12, and then at 9 months handing in your notice if that's still what you want to do. At least this gives you the option to change your mind and go back for a few more months. Otherwise you can resign now (or at any time) and do your 3 months notice while on Mat leave - but you lose out on accrued holiday as you know, and it also gives you more time to decide as you don't sound completely certain.

Re the protocol - if you want to resign then all you need is to do that in writing (that includes email), but its easier and friendlier to meet face to face and sort through details - no need for it to be confrontational or anything!

Does that help?

Thanks Nux! It does help

I guess you're in HR :)