Can I look for a new job on maternity leave

[rmommy]

Hi all,
This is my first time posting so bare with me!
I'm hoping some mom's out there could give me a bit of advise on work related issues.
I'm currently on maternity leave, my little boy was born in December (the best Christmas present! he is now coming up ten weeks).
I was planning on only taking 6 months maternity leave and returning in June. I'm currently in a good job that I do really enjoy but at the moment due to financial reasons I'm torn on whether to start applying for new jobs as my current job Is really far from where we live and financially petrol costs back and forward is a nightmare which I'm sure everyone would agree. My husband's job is messing him around with hours and financially he is struggling to support us while I'm off. I do feel very helpless as I'm not working and would normally jump in and pay extra and help as much as possible. I was toying with the idea of going back early but I feel guilty for the two members of my team that have replaced me, I know them and I know they have budgeted for the rise in wages they will be getting until I get back.

I was hoping to look for a better paid job that allows me to be a bit more flexible and be closer to my son I have looked at some roles and have found a couple that would be perfect. Tho I really do like my job so I'm torn.
So my question is can I look for a new job on maternity leave, inform my employer that I'm going back to work early to work my notice? Or will I have to pay my employer back? Also will I have to notify the interviewer that I'm currently on maternity leave?

Sorry Its long winded and complicated!

 

[xxembobxx]

You will only have to pay your employer back anything you received over the SMP rate. And then it would depend on what is stated in your terms of employment.
It's nice that you thought about your work colleagues but I think you should do what is best for you NOT them! If you want to return earlier than your employer is expecting you have to give at least 8 weeks notice anyway so they have time to readjust their budgets.
Unless you need to return to work to avoid paying back enhanced maternity pay then I wouldn't have thought you needed to return to work your notice. You can hand your notice in at any time during maternity leave and don't have to give a reason. You only have to give the amount of notice required by contract, most women only give it at the end of maternity leave so they get their full SMP entitlement.