Advice on not returning to work

[Fcas]

Hi Im currently on my 26th of maternity. Im considering leaving work as I wasn't happy before I left for maternity and the thought of going back there makes me feel depressed!

If I have been on SMP does anyone know if I need to pay it back?

Also, if I left now.. Would I be entitled to any other pay for the remaining 13 weeks?

I cant find anything on DWP or direct gov.

Thanks :)

If you have been on SMP only, then you don't have to pay that back (you only might have to pay anything if you have been paid an enhanced/company maternity pay, but even then it would only be the amount above SMP).

In terms of handing in your notice, what is your notice period? If you handed in your notice now, giving 13 weeks, saying that you wish to finish at the end of your mat leave, that should be fine as you are giving them plenty of notice. If they are likely to be a bit awkward though, just to save yourself hassle, you could leave it until you are contractually bound to hand your notice in - eg 1 month/4 weeks before you are due to return/end of the 39 weeks. Bear in mind also though that you may have accrued some holiday during your mat leave & so you could maybe tag this on to the end of your mat leave or receive payment in lieu instead, but it depends on your company policy.

Thanks for the advice.

In regards to the holiday entitlement, do you happen to know how bank holidays are paid?

Bank hols are accrued but they should be taken during your notice period, not necessarily paid.

Don't you accrue holiday for the 52 wks so if you don't have a new job to go to you would be better off giving notice to end then.

Thanks guys this has helped alot