Really need advice on work

[Mmother]

I’ve recently started part time work, now that my little boy is two.
We’re trying for another next year, but I’m so confused about work.
Apparently maternity is a year, but what if I want longer.. if I leave the job at the end of my pregnancy, will I be allowed to apply and possibly get my job back when I’m ready to return for work? Or do I have to take the maternity pay to stay on the same job 🤷🏻‍♀️
I really like I my job but I’m so over protective, I’ve only just felt comfortable to go now my boy is two and I’m worried I’ll be the same with my next, and won’t be ready after the years maternity.
Someone please help😢

They do not have to hold your job past a year. However they may have a career break scheme so you can take longer and each have the option to return later, if there is a suitable role available. Smp is not repayable but any occupational enhanced scheme may be if you do not return for a specific time afterwards. You need to check the Maternity policy for your employer.

PP is correct. Legally you are entitled to a year and if you want longer then you would need to resign unless they offer a scheme to hold your job open for longer.

Enhanced maternity pay may need to paid back. They will probably be able to arrange for you to do that installments, or they may offer the option of taking getting your enhanced pay when you return (good if you are u sure if you will be returning) or you can return for the minimum period so you don’t have to pay the money back and then leave.

Actually they don't have to hold your job past 9 months.

36 weeks is statutory maternity leave. If you return at the end of this your job must be open and available to you.

The additional 13 weeks is known as additional maternity leave. After this your employer must have "a role" for you to return to although it doesn't have to be the role you left originally.

I would say take the maternity leave, don't worry now about how you will feel in a years time and just cross that bridge when you come to it!

Sorry just to add:

If you leave the job at the End of your pregnancy your employer will replace you. You will not be able to reapply for that job unless it becomes vacant again.

If you take 9 months may leave you are guaranteed to go back into the same job

If you take 1 year you are guaranteed a role but it may not be the same job (although most employers don't actually put this in to practice so usually you would go back to the same role)

My thinking is you should go on mat leave at your current employer, take the maternity pay and if you don't feel ready to go back after a year then give notice.