Quitting work while on maternity leave

[mamabrownbear]

Hello, I'm thinking about not going back to my job after maternity leave. How would I do this? Basically I'm only getting smp so no need to worry about paying anything back. Would I, for instance, say I wanted 4 months maternity leave but then as I approach the end of month 3 "hand in my notice" for the 4th month is my last? Hope this makes sense.

you give whatever notice that is required by your employer so if you need to give a months notice then, yes, you would do as you described.

Yes give your normal notice period, but wait until 11 months, not 3. You'll continue to get SMP anyway but if you stay employed throughout your full year maternity leave you'll also get holiday pay and any other contractual benefits, so make sure you don't leave before your maternity leave would be up.

Unless you're going to start work elsewhere that is.

Great, thank you. Would hope to get something else lined up or go self employed. Good to know I've understood it properly. All so confusing!