Need advice on leaving my employer whilst on maternity leave

[MamaagainJuly2026]

I’m planning on quitting my job whilst on maternity leave and need some advice on how to do so.

I will get basic SMP so will not need to return to my employer to keep my maternity pay.

When is the best time to hand in my notice? Whilst on maternity leave? Before?

I get 17 days holiday as I’m part time and it runs Jan-Dec. If I take most of these days before my mat leave in the summer will I have to “owe” any money for taking more than I’ve accrued.

I could hand in my notice in Nov/Dec to avoid owing any holidays if that is a risk

I'd keep all options open for as long as possible. The longer you stay employed, the more holiday you will accrue.

You accrue leave while on ml so the later you can leave it the more you are allocated.

@MamaagainJuly2026 leave it as late as possible. If you need to give 4 weeks notice then 4 weeks before your mat leave ends. As pp said you accrue annual leave up to your last day.

If your notice is 4 weeks resign that period before your year is up to accrue maximum holiday (including statutory holiday days).

You will not be able to work for anyone else though when on maternity leave.