Maternity Leave Non Return to Work Letter - for employers

Employees who have had a child have the right to return to work or they can simply choose not to return to work.

Employees can make their decision not to return to work at any time (and can even leave it to the last moment by simply not turning up for work on the day you expect them back at the end of their 52 weeks maternity leave).

To help manage maternity non-returns and to ensure legal termination of the employment contract, employers are well advised to confirm an employees decision not to return to work.

Employee Not Returning to Work after maternity leave

This letter confirms vital information about a non return decision and legal termination of employment, including:

• maternity leave period (52 week maternity leave period).
• employee return rights (exercising a right to return & last day to return).
• non-return decision being the employee's choice.
• termination notice (contractual notice or legal 8 weeks).
• resignation acceptance from employer.
  
• leaving date when employment will officially terminate.
• return of company property.
• future employment references & authorisation to release information.
  
• exit interview questionnaire completion.

This letter also includes employer notes on UK Maternity rights, and takes account of recent maternity regulation changes in relation to keeping in touch with employees, attending work and training days (without affecting SMP or leave), extended maternity leave, contractual benefits during AML, notice of early return and important maternity dates.