Ending Maternity Leave Early

Hi all,

I am trying to find out what the rules are around ending my maternity leave early (should I choose to do so).

I have requested 12 months off in the hope we will be able to afford it, BUT should we not be able to, if I want to go back to work in that period, can I?

I found some information online that said:

You can return to work early, or start your preference period early, if your child is miscarried, is stillborn, dies, or is adopted or cared for by someone else. You should write to your employer 21 days before the date you intend to return. You may also return to work early if your employer agrees. The employer may ask for a medical certificate if you wish to return early from maternity leave.

Does this mean: yes, I can if I give them 21 days notice in writing but only if they agree?

Thanks all for your help!
Bx

I think so. Is your manager nice would you feel comfortable just having a chat about it?

I imagine some employers may not agree to a person coming back early when they have employed another person for the period of the maternity leave.

My work I took the maximum leave my manager advised me to and also said that I could come back earlier if I wanted but obviously to come in and speak with her about it.

As it happens I have been looking for part time work now rather than that role.

They don't HAVE to let you come back. That paragraph suggests they do have to, with 21 days notice, IF any of those things happen, but they aren't things you'd want!

That said, most employers are reasonably flexible. I applied for the whole year, but made it clear then that I would probably come back at 6 months. They were ok with that, and I did come back at 6 months.

I've also heard of it not happening - mostly where someone else has been employed in the meantime on a fixed term contract.

i just called up and asked if i could come back earlier than planned - and it wasnt a problem at all. I think i had to give a months notice.