What can new boss really expect of me on mat leave?

[ApplesTheHare]

I'm about to go into work for my first KIT day since starting maternity leave in August. Since leaving I've acquired a new boss and I get the impression he doesn't know what's involved in looking after a baby. He's sending me work to do in advance of the KIT day but at the last-minute, and there's no way I will be able to get it done (without arranging childcare). Am I unreasonable to clarify expectations around me on leave when I go in, or will I come across as 'difficult' on our very first day of working together?

I'd like to make a good impression and get off on the right foot for a good working relationship but I'm struggling to know how to tackle what I think are unrealistic expectations around what I can do on leave. AIBU??

My impression is that KIT days are for doing work on those days and those day only! If your boss is sending work which needs to be done in advance he misunderstands the purpose of the days or you need to clarify with him that additional work from home will also count as a KIT day and will need to be paid for as such.

It may simply be that he is new to management or the concept of KIT days. I think I would start by sending a friendly email to him clarifying what you will be doing during your KIT day. If he is proving difficult, refer him to HR to manage his expectations.

If he is sending you wirk to do in advance, then that is more KIT time. I believe that KIT is optional anyway?

Fwiw - I did quite a lot of KIT days on both ML, but it was all stuff like attending team meetings (with baby), coming in for a retirement do; interview; area-wide workshop on restructuring; my line manager never came over to see the baby on her way home, no see hates babies. No actual "work".

As someone else's line manger, this is also how I approached her KIT time.

He shouldnt be sending you work to do on non KIT days

Absolutely no way should you be doing work in advance of a KIT day.

If you don't feel up to bringing this up with him, speak to HR or your Union who will advise you further.

As a line manager I'd never give an employee work on a kit day, I use them as a way of keeping them up to date with what's going on.... but I know it's not illegal. You are, however, entitled to be paid in full for any work done.

A quick Google threw this up www.mylawyer.co.uk/maternity-rights-a-A76018D33502/ There's a kit section.

This is one occasion I would have a quick chat with HR (usually avoid them like the plague.) new boss either has no idea what they are doing, in which case a gentle redirection is in order, or they are an asshole, in which case you politely and firmly put your foot down at the start of the relationship.

Good luck.

What sort of stuff is he sending home!?

Definitely not on!

If I were you, I'd drop the new boss a line saying that you weren't really expecting to have to do any work in preparation for the KIT day and explain that you can't do it without organising childcare. Perhaps you could show willing by suggesting that you use another one of your KIT days to do the prep that he has asked for?

Just asked my dh who is an employer he says, what your new boss is asking you to do is not allowed at all and speak to HR. KIT days are purely for keeping in touch with what's going on in your work place and any new system set ups, you are not expected to do any work what so ever.

As a manager who has seen quite a number of staff through their various maternity leaves, I would encourage the OP to approach her manager before taking things up with HR. She has said that she doesn't want to start on the wrong note with her new boss. Clear, open and assertive communication is likely to achieve more than telling tales. If the manager doesn't respond, then you can go to HR afterwards.

Many employers do use KIT days just for general catching up, but there is nothing to stop you from doing real work if you and your employer agree to this (you don't have to do any KIT days at all if you don't want to). What isn't reasonable is expecting you to undertake additional work in preparation for your KIT days.

seeking is absolutely spot on. Of course you can do actual work on a KIT day, or it can just be a catch up - it completely depends on what is agreed between the employee and their employer.

I'm an employment lawyer. PP who said that you are not expected to do any work whatsoever on a kit day is completely incorrect. Of course you are expected to work on a kit day. Why on earth would your employer agree to it otherwise?

Is it actual work in advance OP or is it reading for a training day or something like that?

Thanks for the replies everyone.

The work was shortlisting applicants for a job ahead of interviewing selected candidates on my KIT day. I ended up saying I wasn't available on the day in question as I suspected it would take a few hours and I just couldn't have done it while also looking after the baby (which I'd already said to new boss when I asked why he was sending work on advance, and didn't get an answer). Boss did it himself and it took him 8 hours so I'm really glad I said no!

The KIT day itself was actually quite strange. He kept saying things like 'I bet it gets to mid-afternoon with a baby and the boredom means you're desperate to check your emails'. Very odd, and very clear he's never looked after a small baby with severe reflux!