Leaving work after maternity

[Monica2005]

Not sure where to ask this! I am thinking about not returning to work after maternity, or just returning briefly and working notice before leaving. Will I have to pay back maternity pay?

I'm sure you have to work for 3 months following maternity leave, or else you have to repay mat leave money.

You normally have to work for a set amount of time or pay back enhanced maternity pay.

Only if you take the enhanced.

Smp is not repayable. Any enhanced pay in addition from your employer might be but it has to be in the terms at outset of your ml.

www.maternityaction.org.uk/advice-2/mums-dads-scenarios/pregnant/resigning-during-pregnancy-and-maternity-leave/

Just reading through my contract again. It states if I leave work after the end of the 15th week before due date I'll be paid in a lump sum.

You don't need to resign until you are on ml. It is assumed you will return unless you give notice otherwise.

I've asked for HR phone number so I can speak to someone but manager says he doesn't have it. Which is strange!

I had a look at that link ^^ before I posted it and it seems pretty comprehensive. Hope it helps

It was really helpful thank you! Going to speak to HR when I can. May be easier to take the maternity, return for a short period then leave

Don't forget you accrue leave while on ml so that can be used afterwards during your return period to reduce hours/weeks required , assuming you have to. Assume any upfront payment would be smp only.

Oh Lizs I didn't even consider that! I have initially requested for my holidays to be plonked on the end of my maternity. So that will be considered me returning to work and used as part of my notice period?

Yes, your AL can be your notice

You can keep statutory but probably have to pay back occupational, that's what I'm doing.

I think I have my answer there. Thanks so much everyone !