Maternity leave decisions

[Fleura]

I'm really umming and aching about how long to take off for maternity leave - some days it's 6 months, others it's a full year. Obviously I won't know how I feel until the baby is here. An added complication is that my OH is currently unemployed so needs may necessitate a quicker return or using holiday to extend my time off so we're getting some money in after SMP runs out.

Would it be better to give my work notice for a full year and then the usual notice if I want to come back earlier - are they obliged to accommodate this request? Or should I give notice for 6 months and then extend it nearer the time if I want to? They are recruiting someone permanently rather than just as maternity leave cover.

Thanks

you can say a year then come back earlier if you give them eight weeks notice

Hello, congrats on your pregnancy

I'm no legal expert but have had 2 maternity leaves. Firstly, check your employer's maternity policy.

I don't think you'd need to give them notice at this stage. Wait until baby is here and you have got into a routine. There really is no hurry (other than the financial implications you mention). Enjoy your baby

Why are they recruiting someone permanent?

You don't need to decide now. You can give notice of your return shortly before you do return.

Your employer has to assume you will take the full year. If you want to go back sooner, then you will have to give notice but as pp has said, that's normally about 8 weeks' worth.

So it's best to just go on mat leave and then make the decision when you're ready.

You don't need to decide now and they can't hold you to anything at this stage. If anyone asks you can say something like you're planning to take between 6 and 12 months but will play it by ear.

In your situation as long as I felt p to it I'd be tempted to work as close up to your EDD as possible and hang on to holiday so it's available at the end of your mat leave.

Congratulations!

I decided on 6 months before my baby was born, for financial reasons. When it came down to it, I really wished I'd taken the full year like all the other mums I met postnatally. However I was starting in a new job and had already committed to a start date so couldn't change it. We could've managed, money wise, and I do regret now not taking the full year. So my advice would be - don't commit to anything, you don't have to! Decide much nearer the time (and as pp said, your employer will assume you are taking the full year).