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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

To expect Christmas pressie from work when on maternity leave?

92 replies

Stilldreamingofsun · 16/12/2016 07:27

Currently on maternity leave. My company pass around a list before Christmas with a list of gifts e.g. Vouchers, cases of wine. I seem to have been left off the email chain. WWYD? I am thinking of emailing and saying that I would like the department store voucher please!!!

OP posts:
Whatthefreakinwhatnow · 16/12/2016 07:28

Confused work buy you a Christmas gift?!

NoSunNoMoon · 16/12/2016 07:29

But you aren't working at the moment, are you?

Original poster
Stilldreamingofsun · 16/12/2016 07:29

Yes- it's a lovely perk

OP posts:
SpotTheDuck · 16/12/2016 07:30

If it's a normal perk of the business, then I'd expect to get it on maternity leave: you could just email HR and say you haven't seen the email this year and wondered if you are eligible? I'd phrase it as a question rather than as a request for vouchers though.

And I don't think it's that unusual to get Christmas gifts from work - I've had them in most of my previous jobs, it's just a small annual bonus.

Original poster
Stilldreamingofsun · 16/12/2016 07:31

No- I'm on maternity leave but obviously still an employee! So am I not entitled to same benefits?

OP posts:
MilkTwoSugarsThanks · 16/12/2016 07:31

YABU. You haven't been there to do the work! You get everything else everyone gets (bonuses, pay rises), well you should.

RochelleGoyle · 16/12/2016 07:31

I'm on maternity leave too and was feeling a bit Hmm that my colleagues haven't sent me a Christmas card. But a gift (and not just that but a pretty expensive one)?! Ha, I've been in the public sector too long!

londonrach · 16/12/2016 07:32

You not at work at the moment, your work sounds very generous so they likely buy something once baby is born. Dont be grappy and email them. Doesnt look good. Dh lucky if he gets a christmas card.

Popskipiekin · 16/12/2016 07:34

We all get an extra £50 net "turkey money" in our Christmas pay packet. Currently on maternity leave and will be bit miffed if not included - so YANBU in your situation - but tbh I won't follow up in my position as I'll figure there's some kind of a clause in the mat leave/pay policy and it's not really a big deal.

Laiste · 16/12/2016 07:34

I thought this was going to be about getting a present off colleagues. Which might be a different kettle of fish.

From the firm itself? Hmm - i think if you're not actually at work then you shouldn't expect a present. Bit on the fence though.

Original poster
Stilldreamingofsun · 16/12/2016 07:34

Well- I was working up until October. They sent me flowers when baby was born. I'm honestly not trying to be grabby! Just pondering if it was an oversight or if they have deliberately left me out?

OP posts:
VintagePerfumista · 16/12/2016 07:35

It's unfortunate but you'd look like a prize twat if you asked where your prezzie was.

Sorry.

Presumably someone is doing your work for you at the moment and they get the present.

MovingOnUpMovingOnOut · 16/12/2016 07:37

If you would get the benefit if you weren't on maternity leave then you should get it on maternity leave.

That's been law since 5th October 2008.

littleoysterslittleoysters · 16/12/2016 07:37

I'm on mat leave and i didn't even get invited to the Xmas party!!!

Laiste · 16/12/2016 07:37

I think it was deliberate. If you'd left work in the first week of Dec or something i can see why you'd expect a pressie. But leaving in Oct ... you've been gone 2 months!

Original poster
Stilldreamingofsun · 16/12/2016 07:37

Yes- absolutely he will get a present. He's only worked there for the past six weeks though!

OP posts:
gamerwidow · 16/12/2016 07:38

You shouldn't be left off the list. When you are on maternity leave you are still an employee and entitled to the same perks and benefits as everyone else. It doesn't matter that you are not physically at work for that period.

Original poster
Stilldreamingofsun · 16/12/2016 07:41

I guess that a Christmas gift is discretionary rather than an entitlement. Thats why I am asking if iabu

OP posts:
Laiste · 16/12/2016 07:41

It's not really a 'benefit' as such though is it? I mean it's not likely to be something you'd look for in the fine print of a contract.

Xmas Present Clause - 2'.4.
Employees working on and including December the first with continuing employment up to and including the last day of work before xmas hereby qualify for a pressie and none other Grin

Laiste · 16/12/2016 07:43

I suppose it might be called the Santa Clause ...

Original poster
Stilldreamingofsun · 16/12/2016 07:44

Laiste 😂😂😂

OP posts:
MovingOnUpMovingOnOut · 16/12/2016 07:45

It doesn't need to be written in the "fine print of a contract" Laiste.

This is basic stuff for anyone with even the tiniest understanding of employment law.

Pseudonym99 · 16/12/2016 07:46

It is discriminatory, and unlawful. But then again, some people when not at work don't want to be contacted. They should have asked your preferences before you went on leave.

Laiste · 16/12/2016 07:47

It was a joke moving.

Anyway, i've changed my mind. You should get a present OP. I dunno about asking for it though. Are you in contact with any colleagues? Could you mention it to them who could mention it to a manager in an unofficial way?

Minikievs · 16/12/2016 07:48

moving Harsh, it was a joke?!

OP I get why you're a bit miffed but you will look grabby if you ask!