Returning to work part time- when should I request this?

[kbaby]

Hi Im due to finish work in June and when I retunr in January I want to go back on a 4 day basis. I dont know if I should request this now or wait until I am due to return. Also If I do request it now would my maternity pay be based on a 4 day week.

tia

The 4 day pay won't start until you start doing 4 days a week - i.e. on your return.

I asked pretty early on, way before I went on maternity leave as I wanted to get it over and done with, and so I can could start organising child care.

I would recommend asking as soon as possible, as they may be more likely to agree if they have more time to make arrangements. your maternity pay is based on the job you're doing before you go on mat leave, not what you do when you get back.

check out the dti website, officially you should have a meeting 6wks prior to your return date (i'm not sure but i think it is assumed that the full year maternity leave will be taken, you need to inform them near to the end of your paid maternity leave the date you wish to return),you will need to put in an appliction for flexible working requesting that you want to work 4 days (you need very good reasons for being able to do this and prove to them that you doing 4 days will not be detrimental to the job you are doing) then they should reply to you within 14 days telling you whether or not your application was successful, if not you can appeal within 14days (phew you can tell i've been down this route) at the moment it might be an idea to express what days you would like to do, but your maternity pay is based on what you work now.

Does your company not have a maternity policy?? if not i would definitely check out the dti site of workingfamilies?? website
hope i've not confused you