When to Return
Going back to work is a huge step and is dependent on each individual and their circumstances.
You cannot return to work until you have taken the Compulsory Maternity Leave which is at least two weeks off work following childbirth or four weeks if you work in a factory.
Should you wish to take your full statutory maternity leave of 52 weeks and plan to return to work thereafter then there is no requirement to give any notice to your employer about your return date but it is a good idea to do so.
If you choose not to return to work at all you must give your employer notice in the usual way.
Otherwise, should you decide to return before the end of your maternity leave, you must give you employer at least eight weeks notice of the date you will be returning. If you return without giving the appropriate notice, your employer is entitled to postpone your return for the 8 week notice period or until the end of your statutory maternity leave which ever is the earliest.
You cannot stay off work after the statutory maternity leave ends as you will lose your right to return to work. Should you need more time off you could ask your employer if you can take annual leave to follow on from the end of your maternity leave.
Remember your holiday leave accrues whilst you are on maternity leave, you could use this either to extend the period you are off or on your return use it to take a day off a week until it runs out.
