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Original poster

Returning to work after Maternity Leave, or not? Payback?

9 replies

Sunshine2243 · 30/01/2023 11:43

Hi, does anyone know how you find out whether or not your company operates a 'pay back' policy if you either don't go back or quit after a few months return from enhanced mat leave? Not necessarily the intention but would just like to know if I have options or would be completely tied in for a certain amount of time.
The mat leave policy doesn't say anything about pay back or requirement to return, do you assume there isn't a pay back?
Has anyone quit before returning or shortly after and what was your experience?

OP posts:
Mmmmdanone · 30/01/2023 11:45

My work says you need to return for a month but if you have annual leave you can use this instead of returning.

Lullabies2Paralyze · 30/01/2023 11:45

Your policy should say something - I am sure mine did from what I vaguely remember reading a year ago. If it doesn’t is there any pregnancy support network at work that might be able to help? Otherwise probably HR/payroll

thestealthwee · 30/01/2023 11:48

Mine you have to return for 6 months - if it's not stated specifically on your ML policy then id assume there isn't one

Danikm151 · 30/01/2023 11:50

If the pay company maternity pay there will generally be a policy to pay that back. My place it’s 13 weeks. If It’s SMP only then you don’t have to pay that back

Thatsnotmybee · 31/01/2023 20:14

I did this recently. My employer's maternity policy said I had to go back for 3 months. I ended up resigning just as my stat mat pay ended.

My mat pay was 3 months full pay and 3 months half pay. However, by the time the SMP element and holidays were deducted and my tax paid back, it actually only worked out as 1 month's salary I needed to pay back.

Quveas · 01/02/2023 03:22

thestealthwee · 30/01/2023 11:48

Mine you have to return for 6 months - if it's not stated specifically on your ML policy then id assume there isn't one

Ours is also six months. And I'd never assume anything. You know what they say about asses? The only way to be sure is to ask the question. It could be buried in another policy.

nobodygirl2023 · 01/02/2023 03:52

You should have a maternity leave/pay policy or have received a letter when starting Mat Leave outlining your entitlements although guess it'll depend on your company.

Most I've come across require you to return to work for at least 1 month or pay back at least some element of maternity pay. In my org people who want to leave have generally been allowed to use annual leave to cover that month / notice period.

chicke09 · 11/01/2024 15:36

Thatsnotmybee · 31/01/2023 20:14

I did this recently. My employer's maternity policy said I had to go back for 3 months. I ended up resigning just as my stat mat pay ended.

My mat pay was 3 months full pay and 3 months half pay. However, by the time the SMP element and holidays were deducted and my tax paid back, it actually only worked out as 1 month's salary I needed to pay back.

Hi, how did you pay it back? Was it just as one lump sum to your employer? How did it work?

Thatsnotmybee · 11/01/2024 16:08

I've nc but this was my post. I was fortunate enough to be able to pay it in a lump sum but I think they would have let me pay it in installments if I'd needed to

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