Maternity pay

[Hannahlou27]

I’m due to start my maternity leave in September, and I will receive some maternity pay from my employer and the rest smp.
However I am unsure whether I’ll be returning to work at all (I’ve had a very hard time with my boss and an awful pregnancy so far!) but have received very inconsistent advice.
Is it ok to hand my notice in while on maternity leave should I decide not to return? Will I have to pay my back by maternity pay?
TIA

You need to check any specific terms of your occupational scheme. Smp, including the 90% for first 6 weeks , would not be conditional on returning but anything over and above may be if it is stated upfront. You are assumed to take the full year as ml unless and until you state otherwise.

I think SMP has to come via an employer, so if you resign and they take you off the payroll you won't get it. As pp said, the employer can ask you to repay anything above SMP if you don't go back for 3 months after maternity leave. Don't forget you also accrue annual leave on maternity leave so you can use that to minimise the amount of time you have to work to keep your extra pay.

Thank you! No decision made yet, I’ve been waiting to hear back from HR also, but both your advice has been clearer than what I’ve received so far x