Early return to work from Mat leave..

[Georgeofthejungle]

I’m currently on maternity leave and looking to return earlier than originally stated due to a lack of funds. Others in my role have not been furloughed although I know there is a dramatic decrease in what they are doing and no real need for another employee at the mo. Just wondering where I stand.. could my company refuse to let me return early and hold me to my original return date? Could they take me back but furlough me?

Thank you..

I think you have answered that yourself.

Have you taken your holiday entitlement yet?

If there is not enough work then yes anyone could be furloughed. If you need training to get up to date then it would be reasonable to consider you.

They can't refuse your return unless you haven't given the correct notice.

You don't give a return date until after the birth and when ready to return with notice. I know some do it before they go on leave etc but there is no need.

You have to give eight weeks notice of your intention to return to work Prior to end of may leave they don’t need to accept it within that time after that if there is no work for you you can be Furloughed

Thanks guys. I guess I just wondered if they could say ‘no, you said you’d be back on x date so you’ll have to wait until then’. And from what I’m reading here they can’t so that’s fab.