Training During Maternity Leave

[NevermindMyMind]

Due to major changes in my place of employment, staff were all retrained during my maternity leave. Unfortunately I couldn't make training due to other commitments so didn't arrange any keeping in touch days for roughly then (I was only aware of start date and not length of training). As I had no manager assigned to me at the time, there wasn't really anyone I could discuss it with and still no one has really been in contact to introduce themselves as my manager to discuss what will happen during keeping in touch days as I'm assuming I will need them for retraining before my return. I'm concerned about the fact I missed training which has not been discussed. Who is in the wrong and can I be reprimanded for this?

You shouldn't be reprimanded for missing training that took place during your maternity leave and the company will need to ensure that you are able to complete it.

I would email HR or whoever you have been in contact with during maternity leave outlining the following:

• That you are aware that there have been some major changes whilst you have been on maternity leave
• That you are unsure who your direct line manager is since the changes and ask to be informed around what the changes mean to you and your reporting line
• That you understand that there has been a change to the systems/processes whilst you have been on maternity leave and that you have not attended this training
• Ask what plans will be put in place to ensure that you are up to date before your return
• Include your expected return date if you have agreed it
• Suggest a reasonable date for them to get back to you

You could also suggest that you would like to discuss using your Keeping In Touch (KIT) days before your return and ask how you should go about agreeing these dates.

Keep a record of what you send and any replies in case there is any comeback.

At this point I would just be polite and matter of fact - you need to understand the changes and the plan to enable you to access the training that you need to do your role. Depending on how long you have left it might be sensible to do it shortly before you return rather than risk forgetting it all because you're not using it for the next 3 months.

When you notified your employer that you couldn’t make the dates, was there not any discussion about alternative arrangements?

I'm sure on official paperwork they said I wasn't required to give a return date if returning at the end of the 52 weeks as it would be assumed to be that.

It's entirely my fault but I didn't discuss not being able to do the training in an official capacity because it was something I was waiting to deal with, with a line manager and I wrongly assumed I'd be informed of who that would be.

Thanks, RomaineCalm

Don't worry, it doesn't sound here as if it's necessarily anyone's 'fault'.

Get in touch, explain that you are due back on X date and ask for clarification on your line manager and the outstanding training.

Presumably anyone who joins the company also needs to be trained, so they must have some kind of ongoing / catch up training available.

Many people would be livid to be asked to attend training whilst on maternity leave, so I don't think it would be expected for you to have attended.

The latest advice to ensure pregnant women are not discriminated against, is to invite them to participate in training where appropriate. In this way, pregnant women do not get left out of the loop and sidelined. Women should not be furious about being included but should rearrange for a more suitable time to attend. Women cannot have it all ways!

I would see if they can arrange for you to do the course when you are available. I would also be pleased they have thought about you and your training needs. It shows they are a good employer!

Not training in that sense, BubblesBuddy, it wasn't a course. It was more mandatory, I need to be retrained to do my entire job so it wasn't a favour they were doing me to be nice per say, it was because they changed the scope of my role.

I do agree with you though, I think if there are courses they should be offered to those on maternity leave too.