Returning to work after Maternity Leave

[Nicolette.dacosta]

Is there any legalities on my part being a mother returning to work from maternity leave to ACTUALLY return to work and not give notice for resignation??
We are currently trying for our 2nd child but i am unhappy at work. i am sticking it out till i can take maternity leave where i will have 6 months off and be paid the govt allowance but i dont think i really want to return after this. Is there anything to say i have to return for a certain period??

[Starfish]

I think it depends on your contract, but having said that, I know that a significant proportion of women do not return to work after their 6-12 months maternity leave. Also, since the government is paying, not your employer, you may want to talk to Centrelink...

[Roryrory]

I am pretty sure that the payment is based on whether you were working before the baby was born, not whether you will return afterwards. Like Starfish said, check with Centrelink to be sure.

[Cherished]

I'm pretty sure you'd get the governments paid maternity leave anyway. The issue would be with your employer. I don't want to return to work but wanted to keep the door open as I am entitled to 12 months off work for maternity leave. What I did was took 7 months off to start with and this is what was in my letter to him when I notified him I'd be taking the maternity leave. You are entitled to extend your leave only once. So I've just extended my leave to the full 12 month entitlement. You need to give that notice 1 month before you were due to start work. I could have only extended for say another 2 months and would have ended up with only 9 months total but I have opted to take the full 12 months. In your case if you already know you don't want ot return to work than I'd just tell your employer you are not coming back. If you want the option than tell him you'll be taking the 12 months off and if you end up not going back I think you just need to give them 1 months notice. There are government area you can call to clarify what the arrangments would need for your situation. Hope I haven't been too confusing

[Nicolette.dacosta]

Thank you all for the excellent comments. It certainly is playing on my mind at the moment. I will also be entitled to a Long service leave payout when i leave.
Thanks again. i might make an appt with Centrelink and ask them direct.