Intending to give notice while on ML

[RedCrab]

Hi there :)

I'm a long time poster who has nc for this post as i'm really paranoid about my work. I have a question about giving notice, notice periods and maternity leave so thanks very much in advance for any help or advice!

OK so I understand that while on ML, normal employment continues i.e. accruement of holiday etc. I am contracted to give three months notice. I had told them before going on ML I would be back after 9 months. The ML policy I printed off before I left states I have to give one month's notice - but it also says I have to contact work 2 months before I intend to be back. It does not state anything at all about not returning to work and paying back their additional ML pay - which was 6 weeks at 90% (they basically matched the first 6 weeks of SMP)/

If I formally hand in notice at the 6 month mark, would the remaining 3 months of my ML work out as the 3 months notice I have to give?

Sorry if I've made this sound really complicated - it's possible I'm really over-thinking it! I guess I just keep thinking that the 9 month return date I gave them is not set in stone, so they could say fine - you've quit, everything stops, you pay back the additional maternity pay you've had, SMP ends etc etc?

not sure about notice but everyone gets 90% of pay for six weeks then sml. this means you don't owe them anything or have to go back to repay it. I think your notice can be given ain ML and the remaining months of Ml and annual leave be counted towards that. I would ring HR dept to clarify this but have known people drop this. sorry bout spelling and grammer on tablet

OP I would suggest you notify them that you wish to extend your return date to the full year.

I would suggest you then hand in your 3 months notice at the 9 month mark, meaning your employment will end at the end of the one year maternity leave.

That way you get all the holiday you accrued for the whole year.

*flowery' - her manager will know s/he has been played if she follows your advice. Games like that do absolutely nothing to support women in the workplace, all they do is cause antagonism and resentment.

OP, I think you need to check with HR. Notice at 6 months would be fine where I work (for a 3 month notice period) and your candor would be appreciated.

So would you suggest she sacrifices 3 months holiday pay just to avoid irritating her manager?

It's also daft to resign earlier than necessary anyway because it may remove the option to change her mind which many women do.

Perfectly possible to be helpful to an employer and keep entitlements by giving 6 months notice rather than 3.