Maternity Rights etc...

[crystaljt1]

Hi all,
Would be great if you could help me with this. I am currently on Maternity leave from work and have 6 weeks of 'ordinary leave' remaining with the option to take 'additional leave'.

I do not want to return to work straight away as I feel I need to spend more time with my baby. Please could you let me know what benefits etc... I would be entitled to and what I would need to do with my employer as I am very aware that if you resign from your post, you are not entitled to say 'jsa' or similar for a period of time.

Many thanks in advance for your help and advice.
Crystal

[danchip]

have you taken your full years leave or are you nearing the end of the 9 months

[crystaljt1]

Im nearing the end of the initial 9 months

[bednobs]

jsa dosent really come into it - you have to actively be seeking work to get JSA - there would be no point in you giving up a job in order to look for a job really. also, if you do leave, and your employer has paid you a maternity package, you may have to pay some of it back.
http://www.entitledto.co.uk/ might be a good starting place

[bednobs]

jsa dosent really come into it - you have to actively be seeking work to get JSA - there would be no point in you giving up a job in order to look for a job really. also, if you do leave, and your employer has paid you a maternity package, you may have to pay some of it back.
http://www.entitledto.co.uk/ might be a good starting place

[crystaljt1]

Hiya,

Sorry about that. I was just using that as an example as I have no knowledge of the way it all works as I have never been on benefits before. I just basically want to take more time out from work but longer than the 3 months I have remaining.
I am unsure of what to do about this. I know that my place of work are only entiltled to keep my position open to me for 12 months. Meaning if I take longer from work I will be unable to return to my position.

[buildersmate]

Your best bet would be to try and negotiate down to part-time. Get the best of both worlds - see the baby and have some income coming in, plus still retain the old job.
It's getting increasingly difficult for employers to refuse this option now. May depend on what you do.