Civil service - resignation/job change mat leave

[DoubleHelix79]

Namechanged as I have been pretty open with potentially identifying details in previous posts.

I'm currently employed in the UK civil service, specifically with UKRI. I'm three months into my mat leave and receive full pay for 6 months. I'm in the very early stages of exploring another opportunity in the private sector. If I were to accept another position I'd leave my current role after 6 months of mat leave (3 months notice period).

I am trying to work out whether I'd be required to pay back the enhanced pay if I didn't return to work. The parental leave policy does not contain a relevant clause (it only requires me to inform HR asap). My employment particulars and the general pay policy do not contain anything relevant either.

I will ask HR if the new opportunity gets more concrete, but don't want to do so just yet.

Does anyone happen to know the current practice? This would likely influence my decision making / salary negotiations. Thank you Mumsnetters.

The title should read DURING mat leave

My letter says I need to repay anything above SMP if I don't return to work in the CS 'and complete a further month's paid service'

Your notice period is completely separate to your maternity leave. Job st give notice at the right time. But see below.

Your maternity letter, staff handbook or maternity policy should state how long you need to return after maternity leave not to have to repay OMP. It is normally 1 month, and you can use accrued annual leave.

If it isn’t written down I would email HR and get it in writing. Departments are usually very strict about this as it’s a central gmt requirement. At the same time ask HR to calculate your annual leave entitlement to the end of your 6 months mat leave.