Leaving a job during maternity leave

jessief

Hi All,

I'm currently on unpaid maternity leave and claiming maternity benefit from the state. I've been offered a job with a new company and will start when my leave is over in a few months. I'm wondering if
1. I have to work the 1 month notice with current employer like as in my contract if I hand in my notice now. as i'm on leave how will this work?
2. Am I still entitled to maternity benefit when I hand in my notice?

Hope this makes sense!!

Thanks,
J

mari2222

Maternity Benefit is paid for 26 weeks. At least 2 weeks and not more than 16 weeks leave must be taken before the end of the week in which your baby is due.

You can take a further 16 weeks unpaid maternity leave. This period is not covered by Maternity Benefit but you will be entitled to a credited social insurance contribution for each week of unpaid leave you take (up to the maximum of 16).

based on the above from citizensinfo I think you are on the first 26 weeks as you are being paid? I presume you could avail of the full 26 weeks and then ask your employer to accept 1 months notice simultaneously with giving you unpaid maternity leave....they may agree to this. I doubt benefit would be payable if the department of social protection knew you are not returning to the job you held.

Addle

I disagree with the above info.
As long as you have more than 1 month of your agreed maternity leave from your current employer, he or she shouldn't have any problem with your notice running concurrently with your maternity leave.
You're in receipt of a state benefit based on You having paid your prsi contributions so you'll still be entitled to your full 26 weeks payment (edit-as long as you're not working during those 26 weeks).

Congrats on your new arrival and job - busy times!