Returning to work after maternity leave

[shutupsteph]

Hi all

I'm currently on maternity leave, Ive always intended on going back after the 9 months where I'm entitled to SMP, that is in 2 months from now.

I'm starting to get worried about returning, Ive already secured a place at a nursery for my DS and since announcing my pregnancy to work I've been adamant that I'd return part time with plans to go full time again after 3 months, this was 'agreed' as best it could be with my employer but nothing set in stone as they weren't allowed to ask me my plans for returning? I'm worried they'll deny me my request to go part time, since I started my leave my line manager has left and hasn't been replaced and obviously covid has turned everything on it's head. Will my employer contact me soon to organise my return or do I contact them? My department manager is currently on mat leave and the majority of the team still furloughed

You have to contact them if you are returning early. Do you not need to do a flexible working request too if you plan on doing part time instead of full time?

I would contact them now. With lots of people off on mat leave and furlough, you dont want to be rushed.

You will need to confirm when you want your mat leave to end and agree any annual leave you might want to add on to the end. For part time, you will need to submit a request. Best to start the conversations asap.

Hope you're doing ok. Returning from mat leave can feel overwhelming, especially in the middle of a pandemic!