Sorry, not an AIBU but can’t find the answer

[maybein2022]

Hi all,

Sorry, this is not an AIBU but can’t find a clear answer online, so if anyone could help or direct me to a website that would help that would be great (have already looked at gov.uk)

If I am pregnant, (hypothetically at the moment but planning ahead!) and want to take maternity leave, but have no intention of going back to my job, is it correct that I should:

Tell my employer, give them all paperwork etc
Make sure I don’t agree to take any enhanced Mat pay, as I assume I would then have to pay it back if I don’t go back?
Take SMP and OMA (I think that’s what it’s called?) and then give my notice during my final weeks of Mat leave? OR can I give notice at the end of SMP as I believe the final 13 weeks of additional leave are unpaid anyway?

Thanks in advance. I was self employed/not working with my first two so this would be different.

You'd need to check your work maternity pay to see if there's a minimum amount of time after you have to work to be entitled. Some. Don't require you to come back

I'd argue there is no point handing in your notice until the end of SMP, you might change your mind and it's always good to leave options open where you can. Make sure you read through your contract

Ask for this to be moved to wor or legal, there are some very knowledgeable posters on there.