Quitting work after returning from matrenity

[Monnie]

Hi everyone

I returned to work part-time 3 months ago and I loath it(am studying on my days off at the moment for a complete career change)

Plus, my mum, who looks after my son and my 2.5 yr old nephew whilst my sister and I are at work, is finding it increasingly difficult to look after both. And as I am in the better financial position than my sister, I am seriously thinking of leaving work.

However, I've heard that you have to have returned to work for a certain length of time after maternity leave before being able to give up work without having to pay anything back to your employer.

Anyone know anything about this?

Thanks

You have to return for 12 weeks otherwise you have to pay back maternity pay received.

monnie

the citizen's advice bureau can advise you. they have a booklet which explains all your rights at work wrt maternity leave etc.

good luck.

Monnie - different companies have different policies, so you do need to ask your Personnel Dept. Statutory maternity pay (which is not a lot) comes no strings attached - i.e. you get it whether or not you go back to work. My company (in publishing) gave you 20 wks full pay, whether or not you returned to work (I didn't). I know teachers have to go back for a certain period - about 3 months, I think. So you need to check. You could phrase a question asking about a possible - "next time" - asking whether you'd still get maternity pay if you weren't coming back, or how long you'd have to work to qualify ...? Good luck. Let us know how you get on.

Thanks for the advice, ladies.

I'm going to get my husband to bring home the employee handbook (we work for the same company) and see what it says in there.

KMG, sorry to pry, but did you find it a financial strain not going back to work?

I really, really want to leave, but am worried about putting all that financial strain on DH(he's fine with it) for 6 months to a year. I think that is what is making me stall handing in my notice.