Pressure to decide length of maternity leave

[Littlelady33]

I'm currently 14wks pregnant and have told my employer who was great about it. A director at the company has however started to put some pressure on me to tell them now how long I plan to take as maternity leave. I haven't decided yet - I'm only 14wks! - and I'm sure j don't have to yet. Anyone have any experience of this? I'm rather annoyed at her...

[Jackiebrambles]

The cheek!

You definitely don't have to. I think they have to assume you will take your entitlement of one year.

If I recall my employer wrote to me when I was on Mat leave to ask me about my return to work date.

I think you can come back any time (after initial few weeks period) but you just need to give them a certain amount of notice.

[Littlelady33]

Thanks Jackie I was outraged! I mean I know I work in the mean private sector with no rights but that seemed harsh. That's very helpful - it's made me feel quite anxious. It only started to feel real at all at a 12wk scan due to previous MC history how am I supposed to know!?

[Jackiebrambles]

You aren't to know, that's the point, you have no idea whether you will want to stay home with the baby forever or get back to work ASAP or somewhere in between!

My boss did ask me 'you are coming back aren't you?!', which is a bit naughty really but this is my 2nd so I know I am coming back. Plus it's nice that he wants me back :)

I think you will need to tell them when you want to leave at possibly around 25 ish weeks? I'm almost 19 weeks and haven't confirmed that yet with them. Plus a lot depends on how you feel.

And congratulations by the way!

[Jackiebrambles]

Also you have lots of rights, despite being in the private sector. Rights to time off for antenatal appts, rights to your job back if you come back within 9 months (I think?) and either your job or the equivalent level if you take a year. Plus maternity pay!

[Rangirl]

With all of my pregnancies my boss as said ' I know I'm not meant to ask you this but' I always said well don't quote me on it but ... Actual legals done properly via HR Quite within your rights not to reply but I felt that a bit of informal chat was ok Was a bit of keeping him on side Think it did help with my flexible working etc I do think it is a lot more difficult in the Private sector Things that people just expect to get in the public sector have to be carefully negotiated in the private sector

[Littlelady33]

Thanks for the advice ladies. I was sure it was out of order but a bit of sense checking never goes amiss!

[Nolim]

I think that in you decide to retun earlier than one year you have to let them know in advance (8weeks or so) so they can sort out pay etc.

That is all you are required to do.

[JustOneMoreGin]

Don't commit to anything is my advice!
I did (when pregnant) and regretted it massively once my ds had arrived. I felt a huge amount of pressure to return on my agreed date whereas I actually could have had another 6 months off. Work were very naughty to ask me to commit in advance and I was naive enough to do it without researching what the guidelines were.

If I ever have another baby I'll tell the company to 'assume I'll be off for the year' and leave it at that.

[toothachereturns]

I'm about to tell my work (I work in the financial sector). I was under the impression I had to give them an indication when I was going to return!? I will reread their policy now. I do know that they only have to hold your role for 6 mths though.

[toothachereturns]

oops I posted before I'd finished! More than 6 mths off they just have to find you an equivalent grade/role.