Three Crucial Tips for Quitting Your Job After Maternity Leave

Maternity Leave in the UK: Three Essential Tips for Quitting Your Job Navigating maternity leave can be challenging, especially when considering the option of not returning to your previous job. Recent data shows a growing number of women opting for this path. To help clarify the process, we spoke with Kate, co-founder of Nugget, a resource dedicated to supporting mothers during and after maternity leave. Kate highlights three key aspects: Firstly, she emphasizes the importance of understanding statutory maternity pay rights, ensuring that mothers receive their full entitlement. 'If you've qualified for statutory maternity pay, they need to pay you for the whole nine months unless you start a new job,' Kate explains. Secondly, Kate advises on maximizing annual leave. By delaying your resignation, you can accrue more holiday days and receive payment for them in your final paycheck. 'You may want to delay handing in your notice until the last possible moment,' she suggests. Finally, Kate warns about potential clawback clauses in employment contracts. These clauses can stipulate a period of return to work to avoid repaying enhanced maternity pay. 'Check your maternity policy to check that there isn't a clawback clause,' Kate advises. By understanding these three points, mothers can make informed decisions about their employment during and after maternity leave, ensuring a smoother transition and financial security.