maternity leave and notice periods

[midnightexpress]

Not sure if this is something that is down to individual companies or not, but perhaps someone can tell me. In my contract I have to give 3 months notice. I'm currently on additional ML and would like to know if I need to give 3 months notice if I don't plan to return after it finishes (January) or just one month.

I do plan to let them know as soon as possible and am already discussing my options, but don't want to be rushed into anything so just wonder where i stand legally on this.

Hi midnightexpress
Your notice period remains as it is in your contract. Your organisation will assume you are coming back at the end of AML unless you tell them otherwise and you do have to give whatever your normal notice is.

Having said that, if you haven't made the decision by 3 months beforehand, and only know, say, 1 month before, I would be surprised if they try and make you come back for 2 months...

Thanks very much flowerybeanbag that's very helpful. It's what I thought so need to get my act together in the next couple of weeks.

Or talk to them and ask them to drop the notice a bit so you have more time - I did this and they agreed. I am actually returning pt but it was nice to have a bit more time, 3 months is a long time when you are on mat leave.