Handing notice in after mat leave- what date do I put?!

[MrsWeasely]

So I’m due to return to work 21st April but I’ve arranged to pop into work on Monday and I’m planning to hand my notice in. I have to give 8 weeks notice so do I put my notice date as 8 weeks from when I hand the letter in or do I just put it as my return date of 21st April? Im so confused, thanks!

Are there any benefits to extending it to April 21st? What about accrued leave?

As PP said, you accrue annual leave and bank holidays during your mat leave. If you put your leave date as 8 weeks from Monday, then your holiday accrual will stop then meaning you get slightly less (you would lose 1 month).
I would specify your end date in the letter. Don't mention the 8 weeks notice period, just ensure the letter is dated Monday and that your last day will be XXX bit due to you being on maternity leave you won't be returning to the office.

(Assuming you work in an office).

You can verbally say to your boss that you wanted to give them more notice as it can take time to recruit.

I work in a school so I don’t think it works like that with annual leave because of school holidays etc. I’m not due any more maternity pay. I find all this stuff very confusing as I work pro rata with school holidays so I do t get annual leave outside those forced school holidays.

Put the date you actually want to leave their employment, which can be more than 8 weeks ahead of the date of your letter.

In that case, it probably won't matter then.