Christmas work party on maternity leave

[needabreakk]

I’ve been invited to the work Christmas party which is so lovely I’ve been invited to. I’m not sure about going, I’m now on statutory and you pay for yourself. I’m also feeling anxious about going for some reason.

Would I be rude to not go?

If you don't want to go, don't go!

I’m not going to mine. I hadn’t even thought about whether it would be rude!

Legally they have to invite you- so don't feel bad about not going

No you're not rude not to go!

I got invited to mine when I was on ML and I didn't really like the people I worked with except a couple of people so it was bliss just saying I can't I make it to the party without having to think of an excuse.

What? There is nothing legal about it? 🤣.

I'm involved with organising ours. We always invite those on mat leave but don't bat an eyelid if they turn it down. So if you don't want to go, don't stress about it at all. On the other hand, if you're someone who worries before going to things and then normally enjoys them, give it some thought.

@PinkButtercups actually it is- if your on maternity you have to be given access to the same benefits as everyone else- this includes things like Christmas parties

Nah don't go, just say you're busy

We always invite everyone on maternity leave and some come, some don't. It very much depends on how old the baby is.

But ours are fully funded so no worries about paying anything apart from a train ticket or a cab.

God no, perfect excuse not to go. Just as with Team Building days I’d pray for gastro not to have to go so you have a ready made out!

Christmas parties aren't a legal requirement.

Christmas parties aren't a legal requirement no- BUT if a company is holding a Christmas party then they must invite those in mat leave. Its not really that hard to understand surely?

There’s no benefit for a Christmas party you pay for yourself?

OP they are making an effort not to exclude you. Having a baby is the perfect excuse not to go. Just say thanks but no thanks.

I didn't go when I was on maternity leave. Too tired and couldn't be arsed!

I'm on mat leave and going to ours and v looking forward to it, but of course you aren't obliged to go whether on mat leave or not!

Not inviting opens them up to discrimination claims even if it's pay yourself- a good HR team will insist everyone's invited regardless of leave status (sick mat etc)

Yes, I’ve been on mat leave over Christmas twice and have always gratefully declined citing baby/lack of sleep/baby needing bf etc. As the person who usually organises our party in the years that I’m not on ML I’ve been on the other side many times too! I always invite our ML/SPL colleagues and make clear they’d be very welcome, but completely and utterly understand that people with a baby under 1 might not fancy a party (and that’s before considering coats or the fact not everyone likes a party anyway!).

I have colleagues who are always ‘unfortunately busy’ when the party date is announced. Whether it’s genuinely busy lives or they just don’t fancy it I have no idea. But it’s entirely up to them and I completely respect it - as MN often says, it’s an invitation not a summons! Plus selfishly I don’t want people attending out of duty - kills the party vibe ;-)

Hugz well obviously not but if the company themselves aren't holding/organising the party then there isn't an issue. If it's just colleagues deciding that they want to have a Christmas do it doesn't stand on the same grounds.