AIBU to interview whilst on Mat Leave?

[JuneWind]

I’ll try to keep it brief. Started working for company A in 2018. After a few months there found out I was pregnant (ttc had been put on hold whilst starting new role, but somehow baby had a different idea!). Not a huge problem, started mat leave after 1 year of working there.

Due to return in May this year after almost a year off. Decent enough company, good salary, have negotiated phased part-time return for a short period, then back to full time.

However have been approached by Company B for an interview. Have always wanted to work for this company, have been building up skills/experience to do so. Not sure yet if hours/salary will be what I want, but assuming they are and I was offered the job (big if), WIBU to resign from Company A whilst on mat leave to take up a new job with Company B, even though I have negotiated my return with them?

Will you have to pay back any maternity pay if had enhanced package?

YANBU but am I right in thinking you would have to pay company a back some money? My friend decided not to return after mat leave and I am sure this came up

I don’t think that’s an unusual situation tbh. The timings aren’t great but you can’t live your life for the benefit of a company you work for; you have to take opportunities when they arise.

Interview (remember you might not get it) and go from there.

If you're in receipt of mat pay you will probably need to pay it back. So if you can afford that then go for it.

Otherwise I'd say YANBU.

Mat leave is the perfect time to find a new job! Go for the interview and see what's what, then you can decide what's best for you.

If you received more than statutory maternity pay, you may have to pay some back though. Check your contract.

I did this. I didn’t have to repay (so check your contract). Big company and they were fab and understanding.

YANBU at all.

Thank you for the replies so far. I probably should have mentioned in my OP, no enhanced mat pay, only statutory so wouldn’t have anything to repay!

Go for it, but I guess there's a chance new company will want you to start before May, and will want you to start full time. It'll be a very different kettle of fish starting a new job to easing back into your old one. But no harm at all in exploring the options.