Rights on returning to work after ML - nine months or longer?

[kickingking]

I am starting maternity leave in march. I haven't yet committed to a return date.

I have heard that if I return after nine months, I can return to the same job but if I return after longer than nine months, they don't have to give me the exact same job back.

Is that right? I am a teacher and can't find reference to that in my maternity documentation.

m.direct.gov.uk/syndicationController?action=view&param=DG_065153&utn=0d3e9fcdffbb486ea58a201202211159

After 26 weeks - right to same role

After additional maternity leave - right to a similar role

Hth

Yes, if you want a guarantee of your exact same post, then take 6 months. After this, they could offer you something of equivalent status and remuneration. I would think about how important it is to you to maintain your post. An equivalent post may well be fine (or indeed you may get your old post back after additional ML) but if you know for definite you want your post, you would need to just take the 6 months leave not the extra

if that is your concern - then its depends on your employer - are they likely to have a reorg while you are off - what have they done with other staff on maternity - and also would you want to go back full time - many people go part time after ML - 9 months worked well for me - with DC1 went back after 6 months felt a bit of a short time - you also get SMP up to 9 months