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Chat with other Scottish teachers about the pay and conditions in Scottish schools in the Scotland Pay and Conditions Group.

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Resigning after Maternity Leave

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     Ok so I'm due to go back to work officially (payroll only as I have to take my accrued leave) on 2nd July and not go back in person until 17th September. I was full time but now only working 2 days a week when I go back after Maternity Leave.

    However, my husband has been diagnosed with severe depression. He was going to look after our son on the days I worked but he doesn't feel that he can do that and to be honest I don't think I'd even let him try. The doctor says it will probably take a year for him to get back to where he was.

    So I think what's best for us is for me to leave my job - resign - and to be at home with my son which also means I can be there for my husband. Finances aren't an issue as I can get other home-based work. My problem is, how do I resign and when should I do it? Obviously I got Occupational Maternity Pay and we cannot afford to pay it back. I don't know how much notice I have to give either. Can I go back on payroll in June and then give notice in August/September without having to pay back OMP?
    Any advice/help would be great as I can't find any info anywhere.

    thanks.

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    I think finances are an issue to some extent, in that you realise that you will not be able to pay back your OMP. However, maybe your salary of July and August would offset this somewhat. First, I would seek advice from your union.  I would call HR and ask them what if.. questions, in order to determine where you stand.

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    Really sorry to hear that. Depression is a truly horrible illness and I hope your husband makes a full recovery (I've seen it happen, so know that it can!)

    I can't advise too much on the maternity pay situation, but would recommend you have a chat with the union rep for your school. At the very least they'd be able to find out the position for you. You should also make sure you look into all the benefits that might be available for you - carer's allowance, etc - and make sure that these are lined up before you resign. Remember, too, that you won't get any unemployment benefit etc. because you've voluntarily gone.

    I know that some schools are looking at staffing levels now for next year. I wonder if there'd be the possibility of you taking redundancy to allow someone to move schools to take up your post? It would mean you swapping schools at least temporarily (it's the other person's job being made redundant, not yours, so this has to happen to make it legal.)

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    Resignation has to be the last thing you consider. Other alternatives might be to work part time or to take unpaid leave of absence. Contact your trade union for advice related to your personal circumstances.
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    Agree with Dominie, I am also 99% sure maternity pay is not repayable though in any case. Definitely contact your union. A career break may be available to you or unpaid carers leave as you have a child. Hope things get better for you.
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     Thanks everyone.The thing is, I have to have some income to support our family, and although I can't consider working part time or even a career break, I can get another work at home job which will be ready and waiting for me if I decide to leave.At the end of the day, my hubby needs me at home and I'm ready to give up my job if that's what's best for him. I so appreciate all the advice, time to get in touch with my union! 

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