After consideration I've decided to leave my current job and take some time off, approx 6 months.
I'm about the start IVF and feel the perhaps I'm heading down this route as a result of high stress levels at work, as test show everything is ok. I've already missed 6 weeks this year due to stress related illness, and to be honest I no longer really feel any affinity to my company/job! So the 6 months is to see if taking time out to relax, get back in control of my body, and see if we can get pregnant naturally without more chemicals / procedures.
WE can afford for me to take the time off, but if this time off works and I do get pregnant, what are my options?
I've worked for 18 years with about 3 weeks of unemployment in that time, so i'm up to date as of today to get maternity benefit. Is there a way for me to sign on, i'm not expecting any payment, but to retain my 'stamps'?