Mat leave/ pay help needed...

[Lilly1207]

Probably a question for HR but I thought some of you lovely ladies may know. I work for the council, can I get a job at another local authority after my mat leave and not have to pay my mat pay back to current local authority? Someone mentioned this at work but wasn’t too sure. I know continuous service carries over but I wasn’t sure about this?

I had a friend in my office when I worked at the council and she had to return for a period of time (I think it was 2 months) so she didn't have to pay anything back. Maternity allowance and statutory maternity pay wouldn't be paid back but they can claim back contractual maternity pay if you don't return for the amount of time needed as per your contract (but you keep the SMP rate so not full payback). Check your contract or the employee handbook which should advise if you need to return and how long you need to return for.