Legally, you are permitted to stay home for a full six weeks after giving birth. These are called ‘keeping in touch’ days and can only be worked if both you and your employer agree. In general, you have the right to return to the same job on the same terms and conditions after your maternity leave. Most moms have a lot of emotions about returning to work after having a baby—some of them conflicting. 2 years 9 months ago For some mums, particularly first timers — returning to work after maternity leave can be a sad and anxious time, while others look forward to getting back to the regular routine. Please do not include any personal details, for example email address or phone number. Your baby will get a couple half-days with the childcare provider under his onesie belt, and you’ll get some practice with your routine. You may feel relief to … If you don’t think your employer is treating you correctly or recognising your rights when you go back to work, there are some things you can do. For example, you could work 6.5-hour days for the next week, … But six months or a year is a long time, and there could have been big changes at work – not to mention the massive changes in your own life. Your employer is entitled to make reasonable contact with you during your maternity leave, perhaps to tell you about: You can also work up to 10 days during your maternity leave without losing maternity pay or benefits, or ending your leave. cookies policy. We use Cookies: By using this website, you consent to their use. 6. I have an employee returning to work after 39 weeks maternity leave. If your employer offers enhanced maternity pay, you might have to repay some or all of the enhanced amount (anything more than Statutory Maternity Pay) if you: This should be clearly set out in your contract’s written terms. A consultation proposes that the existing legal protection against redundancy for pregnant women and new mothers on maternity leave is extended so that it continues for up to six months after they return to work. In one survey, 23 percent of moms returned to work only two weeks after a baby was born. I went back to work just 12 weeks postpartum, as the sole breadwinner in my household. When returning to work after Ordinary Maternity Leave (the first 26 weeks of your Statutory Maternity Leave), you have a right to the same job and the same terms and conditions as if you hadn’t been away. Whether you took 3 months, 4 months or even 6 months off, it is difficult to seperate from your baby for a full day of work. Almost a quarter of the mums found the working environment was nothing … I am due back in 6 weeks. Deep down, I worried that my son would connect more with the nanny because she was spending more time with him. Teacher Returning to Work after Maternity Leave (14 Posts) Add message | Report. Plan for the future: Before you join the office, start planning at least a few weeks in advance. You’re going to feel guilt for returning to work after maternity leave. E. S. says 04/20/2016 at 4:43 pm Returning from parental leave often involves executing on a new set of complicated logistics. However, there are a number of flexible and rewarding career paths that mean you can prioritise raising your newborn, and still return to work. For example, if they take 6 months’ maternity leave and return to work with 6 months left of the holiday year, they might have time to take their holiday. Make your schedule as predictable as possible and communicate your plans to your colleagues. She was contracted to work 2 days per week and then 5 days per week to cover another employees maternity leave then back to 2 days per week. 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