Mat leave end and uc

[BlessMeDarkFather]

Hey, just looking for some insight.
My mat leave is due to end in 16 weeks, I'm currently on UC and smp.
I'm looking to go back to work 16 Hours week (2 days) if work allows.
I will only be able to do this as my UC work coach has told me they can help with upfront fees and then the percent of childcare costs.not sure if nurserys are even taking new children at the moment?
I have no family to help with childcare (not that it would be allowed atm) so I asked my work coach if I didn't go back to work after mat leave would I be sanctioned, he said it's likely?? Anyone else been in this situation?
I'm so stressed with it all it's really getting me down

Anyone? 😭

O your not actually required to go back to work until your child is three, you go into a prep work group when your child turns two. I literally just had this meeting and my child is two, I had left a job due to childcare issues. I had no problems

Thank you so much for the reply nighttimetalk, I didn't know that, the work coach just kept saying you will be better off in work, told him I want to go back but it's not an option at the moment

Money wise you will but Christ it's bloody hard when babies are so little! It's your choice if you go back or not xxxx

I was thinking that but then I was told I may be sanctioned from uc as it's essentially giving up earnings I got all stressed out xxx