Handing in notice when on mat leave!?

[Matleaveconfused]

Hiya just after some advice and can't seem to find much from Google. I am currently on maternity leave and looking at my options. My job has very specific resignation days so not in a position to give notice 'as and when'. If I was to hand in my notice whilst still on mat leave would I be able to start a new job within that notice period? I assume not but just trying to sort out all my options!
Thanks in advance for any responses x

Hi,
If you handed in your notice with immediate effect I assume you would yes?

My understanding is not while you're 'working' your notice period while you're on leave but there may be some negotiation with the employer seeing as you're already not available to work for them.

The other thing to be aware of is that if you receive contractual maternity pay above SMP you could be asked to lay that back if you don't return to work after- if you're in the job I assume you're in from the specific dates then you would most likely be asked to repay it, although you can opt to only take SMP from the start in order to avoid that later!