Do I have to go back to the same employer?

[Kateoholic]

I start my maternity leave in 3 weeks and have indicated to my employer that I will return in January 2013 in some capacity.

Over the last few weeks it has become more and more evident that I do not want to return to this employer in January. As they are paying maternity leave, must I return for a certain period of time or can I resign later in the year and find employment elsewhere?

Thanks in advance!

[kw123]

Do you mean the company parental leave scheme? If so you need to check the policy as some make you come back for a certain amount of time or you have to repay it. Bad practice but it is legal.

You would not have to repay the government PPL.

[Kateoholic]

Yes, that's what I meant. Trying to scan through their long winded policy now...

[lolz83]

I rang my HR department with the same question. My workplace said no. I don't have to return and wouldn't have to pay back the mat leave. Try calling them?

[speckled]

You don't have to go back. You've already earned the mat leave. You don't owe anything. One girl at work came back for 12 weeks before goinging in mat leave again.

[Pesca77]

You don't have to go back. You've already earned the mat leave. You don't owe anything. One girl at work came back for 12 weeks before goinging in mat leave again.

Actually it all depends on the workplace agreement in place for each employer. Yes you have already earned the actual time off, but the law doesnt state they must pay you for it - each company has their own policies.

You certainly don't have to return to work with them, but just check on the paid leave part to ensure that doesn't need to be paid back if you don't go back.