to apply for a job when on maternity leave?

[MrsKeithRichards]

Due back January. Just requested an application pack for what is pretty much my dream job within a children's and family centre. My qualifications cover it thanks to most of the sector downgrading their posts. It's better money.

Thinking about police checks and references etc I'd probably not be starting until Jan anyway now but I feel like I'm cheating. I've always fully intended going back to my work. I'm in a similar field and our funding runs out in June. My manager is shit at evaluation and I seriously think we'll struggle to get new funding.

Do I go for it? What do I say to them?

Definitely go for it! Not sure how the maternity pay side of things would work out, I don't know if you'd have to pay them back if you didn't return to work? Good luck

Go for it! You'd be mad not to!

Go for it but check your contract - you could be liable to pay back the mat leave pay given by the company if you go to another job within a certain timeframe.

My work give a sum when you go back that makes the 6-9 month part up to full pay. That has to be returned if you leave within 3 months.

Does that make sense? I get full pay for 6, statutory up to 9 and that made up to full when I return. Took me a while to grasp!

Go for it - esp if you arent sure you will have a job past past june - i did similar thing 10 yrs ago and never looked back - although i ended up back at work full time when dd was 18 weeks old

In the current climate, you have to think of yourself. And the DC. It sounds like you might well be up the creek without a paddle after next June, and there's no guarantee you'll be able to get work then. Let alone your dream job. Of course you have to go for this one. No way round it.

Hoping for a long nap from ds today and I'll get stuck into the application!

Do apply,sounds a great opportunity.