Handing in notice - Maternity Leave

freaky26

Hi, sorry if this is on the wrong forum! I am currently on maternity leave however I do not wish to return to work. I realise that this is deemed very unfair on the employer and I do feel very guilty. However my personal circumstances have changed, I have had a very sick baby and more recently lost a parent. I am moving out of the city and returning to my home town. Not returning to work is a very hard decision for me and I know my work will be very annoyed. From a legal perspective am I allowed hand in my notice on unpaid leave? I have been topped up by my employer and it is within their policy that this may have to be paid back. This is not a problem as I feel very bad about leaving them. My employers have been very good to me. I want to ensure that the next steps I take are by the book. I am not due back until September and have one months notice period. However I would want to inform them as soon as possible to allow them to recruit for my position. Could someone advise on the best way to do this? And if legally I am allowed hand in my notice when on unpaid leave. Thank you

Penny Dreadful

freaky26 wrote: »

Hi, sorry if this is on the wrong forum! I am currently on maternity leave however I do not wish to return to work. I realise that this is deemed very unfair on the employer and I do feel very guilty. However my personal circumstances have changed, I have had a very sick baby and more recently lost a parent. I am moving out of the city and returning to my home town. Not returning to work is a very hard decision for me and I know my work will be very annoyed. From a legal perspective am I allowed hand in my notice on unpaid leave? I have been topped up by my employer and it is within their policy that this may have to be paid back. This is not a problem as I feel very bad about leaving them. My employers have been very good to me. I want to ensure that the next steps I take are by the book. I am not due back until September and have one months notice period. However I would want to inform them as soon as possible to allow them to recruit for my position. Could someone advise on the best way to do this? And if legally I am allowed hand in my notice when on unpaid leave. Thank you

Does your work place have a policy on maternity leave? If so check what it says. It might also be writtten into the employee handbook.

Victor

I wouldn't feel guilty at all. Not least as you are dealing with a lot on your plate and anyway you are suggesting giving them 3 months notice.

I wouldn't make any harsh decisions, but review your contract (with your trade union or solicitor would be a good idea) and only then talk to your boss / HR department.

You don't say what size firm you work for, but might there be the possibility of working nearer where you will live / part-time / from home / as a consultant.

Suucee

Im on maternity leave at the mo and will be taking the unpaid leave and will not be returning. I actually only contacted HR last week to advise i will be taking the unpaid.

I also advised i will most likely mot be returning.HR were great told me nit to resign yet. To give the months notice and resign from the day my mat leave finishes. That way i will be building up my holidaya too so will get holiday pay and bank holidays back.