On maternity leave and firm want to know when I will return?

[nellypope]

My firm are pressuring me into telling them when and if I will return to work. Legally I am still allowed another 6 months before I need to either return or hand in my notice. But they insist on knowing now! Are they allowed to ask this question? Because at the moment it's impossible for me to say. I am also worried about any "prejudice" I may incur by telling them either way. Any ideas on where I stand? Do I have to tell them?

[joggerjayne]

You have to maintain the intention to return to work, otherwise you can lose your maternity benefit.

If you subsequently change your mind, and do not go back, you do not have to repay any of the benefit.

The employer feels "shafted" but ... that's the law.

[pink-kittens]

Jogger you are incorrect - you don't need to maintain your return to work at all to get your SMP, it is your legal right. You empl;oyer can know from day one you are not returning but they still have to pay you SMP (if you qualify) its the law and has been for many years

Your employer must assume this AND you DO NOT have to give any notice of your return because on the letter he/she gave at the start of your ML and AML you should have been a date for you to return making this assumption

Quote: Your employer will assume that you will take all 52 weeks of your Statutory Maternity Leave. If you take the full 52 weeks, you don’t need to give notice that you are coming back. However, it can be a good idea to do so.

You should give notice if you intend to return sooner though and all relevant info is here

http://www.direct.gov...AndFamilies/index.htm