To think I shouldn't have to go on a work outing whilst on maternity leave

[HungryLikeAWolf]

NC but I am a regular MN poster

Currently on maternity leave for another six months. I've been told that I have to go on a work away day, as we are merging with another team and it's a "getting to know you" day. I've been told attendance is mandatory.

I won't say what it is for fear of outing but it's an activity that I really hate.

The away day is on a day I don't usually work so I would struggle to find childcare for my children. My baby is breastfed and I can't get him to take a bottle for love nor money. I haven't left him for more than a few hours yet because of this. The activity is almost an hour's drive away.

I can't claim this as a Keeping In Touch day apparently as others won't be getting time back for it, it's considered more of a social outing.

What's more, I have worked with most of the other team, I know them already!

AND I'd have to pay for my place on the activity out my own pocket. It's £25ph, not breaking the bank but when I'm on SMP I'm being vigilant and not treating myself at all so not £25 I really wanna spend.

WIBU to say I can't go? They have said it's mandatory but legally where do I stand?

They can't make you go.

Well, it isn't mandatory because you can't be directed to do work things on maternity leave full stop! Even KIT days should be of your choosing and at your discretion. Are you in a union? They can't enforce this.

You do not need to go.

Legally they cannot force you to work during maternity leave.

Is it a large company? If so I suggest getting in touch with HR and explaining the situation and saying you are being pressured to work unlawfully.

Bollocks to that. I agree with wank, they can't make you go.

('I agree with wank' now there's a sentence I never expected to say )

It's can't be mandatory and a social outing.
It can't be mandatory at all for someone on sick leave or maternity leave. Politely decline via email - thanks for keeping me updated but unfortunately as I am on ML I will not be able to attend the event.

They can't make go.

FFS can't make you go.

Lol at I agree with wank
Yea it's a large company, well large enough to have a HR department.
I guess I'm worried about being the woman who didn't come on the Very Important Outing, and got snotty about it, going back to work is hard enough without people thinking I'm not committed (I am, I love my job but I don't wanna go on this outing).

A mandatory thing you have to pay for? No way!

Send an email "As I am still on maternity leave and have caring responsibilities, I will not be attending the team building event."

Even if your baby was bottle fed and you had a nanny and you didn't know anyone there, you still wouldn't have to go.

Name change fail there, OP?

they cannot makeyou go if you're on maternity leave, KIT days are paid fully for a day's work (even if you go in for half an hour) and are with your agreement/consent only

you need to decline stating why (on maternity) and get a response in writing,then go to your line manager / HR stating your concerns - it could be that the person organising the event doesn't know the rules around ML (highly likely)

if not, time to go to ACAS for advice

Yep very, I'm an idiot have reported!

Well, for what it's worth, I wouldn't go either.

They're chancers.

1. is it in the daytime? Of course it would be a KIT day, aren't the others being paid to work their normal hours even if they work into the evening?
2. no how can that be mandatory. You are not at work!!

I'd just say no I can't come.

If challenged, no I'm breastfeeding...no they don't take a bottle because I'm on maternity leave...followed by can I bring the baby? I'll just bring the pram and highchair, aren't you lucky I'm breastfeeding and don't need a bottle warmer or steriliser. Oh I might need the swingy chair and play mat too.

You could probably just go with "no", I'd just want to keep talking and wind myself up.

Three words - no f@@king way

Don't go! Or say you will and forget ;)

Not a chance I'd be going in your situation. Decline politely and then forget about it.

YANBU.
Forcing you to go while on mat leave is illegal, I would have thought.

No way. I would decline. I doubt you'd be known as 'that' person who didn't go more 'the person that wasn't a doormat' --and will possibly prompt others to say no too.

Surely they cannot make it mandatory for people on maternity leave?

Say that your childcare arrangements are set up for when you have arranged to return to work and that you will not be able to get further cover for this outing.

Also tell them that as you are (presumably) now just on maternity pay you cannot justify the cost of it.

Was that £25 per hour you said? That is very expensive, I would challenge that at the very least.

Tell them to fuck off. As I understand it they should not be hassling you on Mat leave anyway.

Sorry, £25ph meant £25 per head! Plus the petroleum costs and food.
I'm pleased I'm not the only one who thinks this is not fair.