Returning to the NHS after maternity leave.

[Writerwannabe83]

I know that I have to return to work for at least 3 months in order to avoid paying back all maternity payments but do I have to go back to working in the same Trust?

I had always assumed I needed to return to my current job/Trust but a friend of mine says that it doesn't matter what specific Trust I go back to work in as long as it is part of the NHS.

I'm due to go back to work in 4 months but my current employers have turned down my request to change my hours and as a result I'm going to have to find another job (very likely in another Trust). I thought I would have to return to my current job for 3 months (so as not to repay maternity) before I could look for a new job but my friend says it isn't necessary.

She said the NHS provide the finances for maternity payments not individual Trusts therefore it doesn't matter what Trust you work for following maternity leave as long as you remain in the NHS.

Does anyone know if that's correct??

Thank you.

I think that the important thing is continuous service. I changed NHS jobs at 38 weeks pregnant. I got paid my SMP through my old trust as I'd met the qualifying criteria through that job but my new trust paid my occupational mat pay. So yes, I think you can change trusts and not have to pay back occ mat pay.

Hmm, I have just read a few NHS mat leave policies online and it is really unclear as it just says "return to work for three months". You could try your HR department.

I've just spoke to my agar who said it's perfectly fine for me to get a new job and change Trusts as long as my new job is still within the NHS

What is agar? Lol. I meant HR

Brilliant news! I hope you find a job that works for you.