Back to work???!

Elle13

Hi everyone,

I have a one quick question.. does anyone knows how it work with back to work thing after your maternity leave is up?
My lillte man is only gonna turn up 5 months and I am suppose to be back in work in two weeks time. :eek:
I am still exclusively breastfeeding him and that every 3,5 hours... I am also quite not ready myself to leave him and go back to work.. pretty stressed as it is never mind working!
Can anyone advice whats the best thing to do??? I have to go in and talk to HR tomorrow.
Thanks in advance.

Das Kitty

I don't know what the legal requirement for notice is but I had to give 8 weeks notice that I was taking unpaid leave. I could take anything up to 15 weeks but had to tell them at the time.

If you take unpaid leave you're not entitled to any pay at all, no maternity benefit, no dole. You really need to make out a budget beforehand that you're happy with.

If you're still breastfeeding when you go back make sure to talk to them about the facilities they have for you to either express or have your baby brought to you to feed.

I'm taking my full allowance of unpaid leave. I do feel a bit stressed with having no money I'm delighted to be here with my baby man. I would have been going back before starting weaning and now he'll be sorted when I do go back.

Good luck with HR OP

crazy cat lady

I think 14 weeks is the max unpaid leave you can take, but you can then take 14 weeks parental leave too if you wish.

I have taken:

26 weeks maternity leave
14 weeks unpaid leave
4 weeks annual leave

I will also be taking 12.5 hours per week parental leave when I go back so I will only be working 2 days (2x12.5 hour shifts) when I go back in October

Neither unpaid leave or parental leave is paid for, but I'm a million times happier being poor and at home with my baba than I ever have been on full pay! It really is true that money can't buy you happiness

Elle13

Thanks a mill for that girls... It is unfortunate but I am not able to take unpaid leave at all.. I mean.. we would not be able to pay mortgage etc. if I had no pay at all..
I am still suffering with PND so I do have a sick cert from doctor to show at work...but I dont know how this will all together work out.. I am soooo stressed!!!:(

Das Kitty

Well if you have a cert for PND you'll be able to claim benefit.

Moonbeam

remember you can take accrued holidays and bank holidays too.