UC and going back to work?

[ILoveSleeping]

Hi, just looking for some answers as I’m in a situation where I’m unsure if I can go back to work or not.
Was working until I went on mat leave, but my hours will need to change when I return as my eldest child will be starting school at the same time! My job hours were 1-5 previously but now I’ll need to do school pick ups so that will need to change.
We’ve begun claiming universal credit to help top up my wages whilst on mat leave but I’m wondering if it would be better for me to quit my job if they can’t accommodate my hours when I go back and stay off until she can begin full time preschool at 18 months, would universal credit be ok with this? I’ve enquired with a local nursery and 4 different childminders and none of them have any space!
I am worried about quitting a job though as it could make it harder to get back into work later down the line, but I genuinely have no one to rely on to pick my eldest up and my husband works full time.

And if anyone wants to flame me for thinking about quitting I’ve worked since I was 16 and don’t want to quit at all it would genuinely be a last resort!

I think if your youngest is under 3 you’d be okay, this may be outdated advice though so double check, as funded child care is from 9 months now & i’m not sure if that has changed things.

In general if you voluntarily quit your job without what they consider a good reason you could get sanctioned, however I believe “caring responsibilities” can be considered a valid reason with proof - they’d want evidence you’d tried other avenues, such as: negotiating with work about working patters, changing hours, after school provision (as UC would cover 85% of this they can expect you to utilise this)

Thank you, I’ve been looking on the UC website and it does say for a child under 3 you’re not really expected to work just communicate with them about work related activities etc. I’ve tried to sort out childcare so far but like I say neither the local nursery or childminders have any spaces so I genuinely don’t have anybody to look after baby if I went back! I’ve spoken to my job as well and they don’t seem like they’re willing to change my hours.