Working whilst on mat leave?

[nurseallison]

I'm a band 5 in the NHS and beginning mat leave next month. Can I register with an agency for bank shifts during mat leave, prior to returning to my full time position, or does this end my mat leave entitlement? DH has just had his hours reduced so I'm worried we'll be quite skint Would be fab if I could do 1-2 days bank after baby is a bit more settled, perhaps 3 months or so xx

As far as I'm aware you can only do shifts with an agency after 6 months. X

What about using your KIT days to bring in some extra cash?

You'd have to take it up with your HR department but I'm 99.9% sure that you can't work and claim maternity. They're effectively then paying you twice and many people would probably begin working at say 6 months but continue to claim maternity for a further 3 as well. As I say it could be different in the NHS but I doubt it - definitely ask so that you know for definite though.

The only paid work I'm aware of that is allowed is what is called Keeping In Touch days. You can do up to 10 paid days. I think it's usually^^ used just before you return to help you ease back in but obviously that's up for you and your employer to negotiate.

Sorry to hear that things are hard for you at the moment OP. I've been there and I know it's easy to say but it will all work out and you'll come out the other side. Good luck

Depends on your contract. Working families has some info on their site about it

www.workingfamilies.org.uk/articles/what-work-can-you-do-during-maternity-adoption-parental-leave/

Sorry to hear about your situation. I would ask about using KIT days first. I don't think you can work and claim mat leave, and I think after a few months the bulk of it is government rather than NHS pay, and I think it's likely they would consider you back at work if doing agency work. I would check with HR though, as I'm no expert in this area.

As you OH's hours are being reduced, could he top up with weekend or evening work? An agency may find him another full-time alternative if his hours have been reduced, or is his role highly specialised? In the meantime I would look for a better alternative if possible if his employers are unreliable.

Sorry to hear things are tight. Maternity pay is classed as a state bennefit so claiming maternity pay AND working is a form of bennefit fraud. Defo a no go.
I would suggest speaking to your employer about a phased return if money is tight but you arnt ready to go back full time and dont want to perminantly reduce your contract. Im sure they would prefer to have part of you back quicker if they could, seeing as they have to keep a job open for you for the duration of mat leave. Good luck