Leaving role at the right time without repaying enhanced Mat pay

[SW2025]

When I return from mat leave, contractually if I leave within 6 months of returning I would have to pay back the enhanced part of my mat pay. In general I also need to give 3 months notice if I find another role.

So if I was offered a new job says 3-5 months after I returned and due to leave/start the new role after that 6 month period will I have to pay my enhanced mat leave back. I.e start back at work 1st March, resign 15th July and give 3 months notice to leave 15th October (so will be around 7 months after returning to work). I only ask as this is not clearly outlined in the maternity policy.

I just want to leave my current job as soon as possible as it’s toxic environment even before I went on leave, they’ve rejected my flexible working request and only want me full time as it appears they’ve expanded the remit of my role and now the company is forcing people back into the office pretty much full time and with little childcare support beyond nursery it’s not going to be sustainable, so need to find a more flexible employer.

We’re inclusive but not of fraudsters and grifters. We’re funny that way.

@TheHerboriste how is an employee a fraudster if they claim enhanced maternity pay and it specifically states in their contract that it is only repaid if you leave within 6 months and you then leave after 6 months? Do you understand the term fraud? It’s not even like she’s planning on calling in sick. She’s abiding by her contract to the letter!

@Namechanged4obviousreasons thank you for explaining to @TheHerboriste. A lot of mother’s who come back from maternity leave who request flexible working to get work life balance, which is then rejected, so then are left in a position to consider their position as due to the impact on their life and/ or finances, so instead of paying back their enhanced maternity pay, as per the policy they work 6 months then leave. It’s very common and it’s the number of women left in this position is increasing yet employers tell them all their family friendly flexible working options available to them up return. Yet mums are grifters or fraudsters. That’s hilarious!

Anyway I came on here to ask for advice, that was just an unhelpful statement/ brag about how you work for a chauvinistic company.