Not returning to work after maternity and moving

[newmum10000000]

Sorry so this is a bit of a long one but I’m currently on maternity leave however won’t be returning back to my job as it works out I will be using all my wage on childcare so it doesn’t make sense to me. I also will be moving soon and need to fill out an application which needs references from my work. Do I still put them down as I’m technically still employed by them but won’t be after my maternity ends or do I not put employment down?

They are your current employer until you leave (you have to give notice in the usual way, don't just not go back).

Yes they are still your employer whilst you're on maternity leave. If I didn't want to explain my maternity leave break I used to put my employer's dates down for the full length of the maternity leave even though I didn't step foot in the place for over a year after leaving (not an issue now but as a young mum when I was job hunting I didn't used to like the gap so early on in my career in my CV).

Also double check if you're getting enhanced maternity pay if there is an expected return of service, sometimes you have to go back for a limited time or risk having to pay some back, if it's standard maternity allowance/SMP that won't be the case.