Unpaid Maternity Leave/Obligations to Employer

[benji's_mum]

Hi,

I'm currently on unpaid maternity leave. Im not due to go back to work yet but I'm thinking about doing some casual work a few days a week. Can someone tell me what my obligations are to my current employer, if its unpaid maternity leave am I allowed to accept a casual role just bring some money in? :confused:

[missie_mack]

Yep its fine as long as its not in the same field of work you already work in. If it was in the same field of work they say you should go back to your employer. Also in NSW you are able to return to a full time job as a part timer until that child goes to school now (as long as your on a NSW award) I will come back with the link to IRC that you should read for more info....

[missie_mack]

OK the official response follows:
9. Can I work while I am on parental leave?

You may work while on parental leave but you must take certain things into consideration.
Working Part-Time for Your Current Employer
If your employer asks you to return to work temporarily during your period of parental leave, you may do this if you wish and then return to your parental leave, but you must still complete your leave within one year of its commencement unless your employer agrees to an extension. It is advisable to have the agreed details of the interruption to your parental leave in writing, including the number of hours and weeks to be worked, rate of pay and your right to return to parental leave, to avoid confusion.
Working for Another Employer
You may work for another employer while on unpaid parental leave as long as you don't compromise your current employment relationship. This means, for example, that you probably cannot work for your employer's competitor. If you are unsure, you should consult your employer before commencing temporary employment with another employer.
The employer from whom you are taking leave is entitled to require that you provide a statutory declaration or enter into an agreement that you will not do anything inconsistent with your employment contract while you are on parental leave.
http://www.workandfamily.nsw.gov.au/frequently+asked+questions.html#q9

also heres the link to info about returning to work part time

http://www.workandfamily.nsw.gov.au/family+provisions+case+2005.html

[harvey123]

just check with your employer about getting a job when on maternity leave. i had to sign a statutory declaration that i would not undertake any work whilst on leave. if i do i won't have a job.

[iluvmeboyz]

im not t osure if you are allowed to do any casual work while on leave but different company's are different