What are the common thoughts on paid mat leave, if in place is there a clause that equires the individual to return to work and if so how long?
Here's an excerpt from our current policy -
If you have completed two (2) years of continuous service as at the estimated date of confinement you will be entitled to twelve (12) weeks paid Maternity Leave. Except to the extent that you have elected to take all or a portion of your Annual Leave or Long Service Leave entitlement, the first twelve (12) weeks of your Maternity Leave is paid leave and the remainder is unpaid.
An employee claiming the period of paid leave will be required to repay an equivalent of half this payment to the Company if she does not resume work with the Company for a period of six (6) months following the expiration of her approved Maternity Leave absence. The exception to this will be where medical reasons associated with the new child preclude a return to work and necessitate the resignation of the employee.