How do I resign after maternity leave?
James Olson
Updated on February 16, 2026
- Think about why you're resigning from the position.
- Start with a formal greeting.
- State your purpose for writing.
- Include your final employment date.
- Provide brief reasoning for your resignation.
- Offer your assistance during the transition.
Beside this, is it OK to resign after maternity leave?
Even if you know you want to quit, there are a few legal matters to consider. First, you should know that unless you have an employment contract limiting your ability to quit, you are completely within your rights to quit your job.
Furthermore, what happens if I don't go back to work after maternity leave? You're entitled to return to the same job after maternity leave if you've been away 26 weeks or less. It's unfair dismissal and maternity discrimination if your employer says you can't return to the same job. You can take steps to resolve an unfair dismissal, starting with talking to your employer.
Consequently, how do I quit my job after maternity leave?
So, yes, legally you can quit now; you don't have to wait until you return from FMLA. You also don't have to give two weeks' notice. That's a nice thing to do, but it's not required by law, only convention. Clearly changing jobs at this time isn't as easy as you may think, but it's completely legal.
How do you tell your boss you're leaving after maternity leave?
If you're still on maternity leave when you're writing and sending the resignation letter, consider sending it in an email and asking your supervisor or HR manager if they'd like to discuss your decision to leave in-person or via phone call.
Related Question Answers
What happens if I don't return to work after maternity leave NHS?
If you don't plan to returnIf an employee has notified her employer that she intends to return to work for the same or a different NHS employer and then does not do so within 15 months of the beginning of her maternity leave, she will be liable to repay the whole of her maternity pay, less any SMP or MA paid.