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Original poster

On maternity leave and being asked to work

18 replies

3girlmama · 23/07/2018 22:20

I'm on maternity leave for 1year. My DD is only 10 weeks old.
My manager has asked me if I can cover annual leave absences in August at work as she has no one to cover. I've said no, partly as I'm breastfeeding and partly as I don't feel ready to work or leave DD.
I think I've only been asked out of desperation but I feel bad for saying no
Making it worse, my colleague has agreed to do some hours to cover the gaps at work and she's also on maternity leave (formula feeding so no problem with feeding issues).
Do you think I look selfish for saying no?

OP posts:
SassitudeandSparkle · 23/07/2018 22:22

I don't think it's selfish - unless they are counting them as the 10 KIT days, surely being paid stops your maternity leave? Not sure your employer has thought this one through.

SinkGirl · 23/07/2018 22:22

No. Absolutely not. This is not your problem and you are not selfish.

PatheticNurse · 23/07/2018 22:24

Good grief no way. Unless it is handled correctly, this could have implications on your pay

BunnyCarr · 23/07/2018 22:26

Is it not illegal for them to ask you to do this?
Say no.

HoleyCoMoley · 23/07/2018 22:28

Your baby is only 10 weeks old, no don't go, you are not being selfish. Covering annual leave is not your responsibility.

bookmum08 · 23/07/2018 22:35

If you are having a year away from the job then surely there should be someone employed on a year contract to cover you. If they are making the other staff do your work as well (ie extra work) then they sound a terrible company to work for. Say no.

MadeForThis · 23/07/2018 22:52

That's awful!!

They cannot ask you to work. You are on maternity leave.

Even KIT days are designed to help you get back into the business not to cover holidays.

Don't feel bad. I would be very angry. 10 weeks!! I would be angry if it was 10 months.

Sarahani · 23/07/2018 23:15

I would check your contract but I'm pretty sure if you do over x number of KIT days you are seen as returning to work and your mat leave stops.

Plus, where I am you don't get the paid twice for KIT days, so if you're on full pay when you do them, you don't get paid again FYSWIM. Much better to plan them for later on Friday n your mat leave IME, when it's dropped to nothing for when between the last 9-12 months.

Even if you weren't breastfeeding it's not easy to find childcare at the best of times, let alone ad hoc - it would cost a fortune!

Original poster
3girlmama · 24/07/2018 07:17

I think she's thinking I use KIT days but I want to use them nearer my return to work in May next year
I know I am within my right to say no but I've never been good at that lol!

OP posts:
AJPTaylor · 24/07/2018 07:20

in that case block the number or change it.

PatheticNurse · 24/07/2018 07:31

Well... you're a mum now so you are going to have to toughen up and learn to say no, otherwise your children will suffer.

Otherwise You'll be posting on here in a few year's about CF school mum's who use you for childcare.

OrgyOfBarminess · 24/07/2018 07:56

I had to have a look into this as I've just gone on maternity leave and been contacted twice already (I've not even had DD yet), to see where I stand.

It is not illegal for them to contact you to discuss anything and they have a legal requirement to keep you informed of any changes to your job role or the business.

They can ask you to use kit days but you have the right to refuse, if they pursue any further it's classed as harassment and you can seek legal advise.

I think all you need to say here is what you've said above, the kit days are saved for your return to work if you still wish to use them, I will discuss this with you nearer the time.

My boss has even asked if I want to go to a buying fair in feb WITH my child. That was a no! She's also regularly asked if I'm returning to work and asked how I'm going to manage holidays! I'm prepared for some shit when I go back already. Sad thing is I'm not a manager or anything 🙄

strawberrry · 24/07/2018 08:08

Sometimes I think would they do the same for you? Would someone come in off their maternity so that you could go on a/l? Staffing shouldn't be your problem OP, so I would say no and wouldn't worry.

Original poster
3girlmama · 24/07/2018 08:26

Thank you all

OP posts:
LoveProsecco · 24/07/2018 08:32

Stay strong and say no.

KIT days are optional, personally I didn't see the value financially or otherwise in using them as mine were offset against MP. But it all depends on your employer's policy.

LoveProsecco · 24/07/2018 08:32

Ps congratulations and enjoy your baby! The newborn phase is amazing

Original poster
3girlmama · 24/07/2018 08:59

Thank you @LoveProsecco

OP posts:
Blueisland · 24/07/2018 09:06

Say no and don’t feel guilty. This is your precious time with your baby who needs you. They are out of order for asking this.

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