Need a new career/job once Mat Leave is over. Help!

[2CatsAndABaby]

So I'm currently on Mat leave, due to return to work in April once SMP is over. I had DD2 in August, and DD1 is 2. My issue is I cannot afford to stay at my current job + childcare cost. I'm currently earning a few pennies over minimum wage (I'm 25+) with not much room for promotion/wage increase, so that's not an option.

The pro with staying in my current job is I get nearly half price discount on childcare which is a huge help. I was able to work FT, with Dd1 attending 3 days a week and with grandparents the other 2 days. However, Grandparents have since returned to work and I won't have that privilege this time round. Both Dds will need to attend nursery for at least a few days a week.

So my question is:
A. How long after mat leave do I need to stay with my current employer post claiming SMP.
B. How do I go about finding a job the pays enough to cover childcare costs and still have some money left over.

Fwiw, I have a 2:1 degree in Education and have worked in education since graduating, but I'm no longer interested in jobs within this field.

You don't need to stay with the same employer. SMP is your statutory entitlement and does not have to be repaid.

If you received Enhanced Maternity pay, ie an amount above the Statutory minimum, then your employment contract MIGHT have a clause about having to repay that Enhanced portion if you don't go back to work. Or, alternatively, it MIGHT be in a staff handbook or maternity leave policy eg on the company intranet. But if these contracts and policies are silent, your employer cannot make you repay the additional maternity pay.

If you decide not to go back to work, give your Employer at least your contractual minimum notice, which is usually a month.

It's not a great time to be looking for work, so I would pause and think is there anything that could make your current situation better. Most childcare providers give a discount for a second child, so with your 50% discount from work does that help?

On such a low income are you sure you are getting all the benefits you are entitled to?
If you stopped work altogether and stayed at home with the kids, is there a chance you would actually be better off (claiming benefits etc)?

Is there a possibility the kids' dad could apply for flexible hours eg work his 5 days across 4 long days, enabling him to have the kids at home one day a week?

@SillyOldMummy Thank you, I actually didn't know that SMP didn't have to be paid back! This was one worry I had on my mind and google didn't help much. Regarding benefits, My Dh earns a few £ the threshold so we don't actually qualify for any benefits or 15 hours free childcare for 2-3yo.

I do have friends who have gained employment recently through UC/Job centre that pay £27,000+, all training provided. This would work great for me but I'm not sure how many jobs are available and how long for. Is it something I could apply for while on mat leave or would I have to wait until it's over before trying that route?

Those benefit thresholds are really a pain, especially if you live down south where childcare is so much more expensive and cost of living is higher.

Nothing to stop you applying for a new job during your mat leave, that's completely allowed (just like going to a job interview when you are in employment). You could even ask for a start date in April 2021, but sounds unlikely an employer would agree as that is a long wait.

If you start a new job earlier than April 2021 you have to quit your current job - you can't claim SMP and be back at work somewhere else. So I believe you cannot transfer your statutory maternity leave to the new employer (As SMP is only available if you have worked for the employer for a certain period of time), so if you go back to work, you really have to go back.

By the way - are you aware that you accrue holiday while you are on Mat leave? Including bank holidays. You are entitled to have that paid to you, if you don't end up going back to your old job.