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Urgent help needed - flexible working and pregnancy

10 replies

Saraharc · 13/09/2022 05:46

Hi

I’m looking for some advice please. I returned from mat leave and asked to work 3 days and they refused so I went back full time.
Nearly a year later I asked again for 3 days as struggling with being away from my child, the hours and commute.
My request has been granted and started 2 weeks ago, it is subject to a 6 month trial period.
I would really like another child and don’t know if it is stupid to get pregnant now (I know it doesn’t always happen straight away) and if I’m also stupid for going part time when I have a 6 month enhanced mat pay package.

Thank you!

OP posts:
nachoavocado · 13/09/2022 05:59

It's completely up to you. Presumably if you're in the trial period you can say it's not working out for you either and you want to stay full time?

nachoavocado · 13/09/2022 05:59

They don't have to agree to it again though if you applied again

klipwa · 13/09/2022 06:04

Check your staff handbook but usually maternity pay is based on actual pay not FTE. By going part time, if you get pregnant again you are likely to receive a lot less maternity pay this time round.

nachoavocado · 13/09/2022 06:08

klipwa · 13/09/2022 06:04

Check your staff handbook but usually maternity pay is based on actual pay not FTE. By going part time, if you get pregnant again you are likely to receive a lot less maternity pay this time round.

Yes this is usually the case. The only thing is that you would have your hours set already for after your 2nd pregnancy so wouldn't have to worry about that. If you go back full time now they may not be able to offer you the flexibility next time

Merlott · 13/09/2022 06:20

Well make up your mind about how many days you want to work. Who made you doubt yourself there?

Having kids involves compromise. Look at it like this. You do what you can at the time when you can and it's the best you can do.

Try to think about the long term. In the next 5 years you will be paying a small fortune in childcare. IMO that's not the most important factor because by staying in work you will be better off long term due to increased earnings. Are you in the sort of role where you can get promoted? Do you yourself want a career where you increase earnings and seniority? Often senior positions are more flexible than junior positions.

Most women don't have enhanced mat pay. I had statutory. DH and I are still paying off debt accrued from mat leave and childcare costs in the early years, but it's not an issue, why you ask? My earnings have doubled in that time through staying in work. I did 3 days a week for 2 years and then increased to 4 days a week. I've worked my arse off and been in the right place at the right time, to get 2 promotions in that time. Yes it was a gamble financially but it has paid off massively for me and ultimately the DC - we will have a lot more money coming in to give them a better life. And I'm working 4 days a week which is a relief! To do this you do need a supportive DH - is yours? Have you ever sat down and had a proper conversation about sharing the load? Financial planning?

You can do 3 days a week now, do it for a year, try for DC2. When you come back after DC2 you can do 3 days, 4 days, full time if you prefer.

You can always put in more flexible working requests to do compressed hours or whatever. Just check the gov.uk pages on your legal rights. Join a union if you haven't already

There will always be people queuing up to tell you you're doing it wrong, ignore them. You just do the best you can and feel free to change things as you go along.

Saraharc · 13/09/2022 07:16

I wanted to have it in place for when I go back after the hypothetical maternity leave.

I just don’t know if I’d be perceived as stupid for going down to 3 days and then going off in 10 months on maternity. Will my colleagues think I’m stupid for taking a drop in maternity by not having stayed full time.

I don’t want to progress in my career any further.

OP posts:
Anothernamechangeplease · 13/09/2022 07:19

Who cares what your colleagues think? This is about what works for you and your family.

WalkingOnSonshine · 13/09/2022 07:22

An acquaintance reduced her working hours to 3 days a week, increased them to 5 days for her maternity pay qualifying period and then wondered why her company refused her request to reduce it again to three days.

I would personally go for the consistency and commitment of the 3 days over the extra pay.

Aprilx · 13/09/2022 16:16

Saraharc · 13/09/2022 07:16

I wanted to have it in place for when I go back after the hypothetical maternity leave.

I just don’t know if I’d be perceived as stupid for going down to 3 days and then going off in 10 months on maternity. Will my colleagues think I’m stupid for taking a drop in maternity by not having stayed full time.

I don’t want to progress in my career any further.

I shouldn’t imagine your colleagues would be thinking about it as much as all that.

nachoavocado · 13/09/2022 16:18

WalkingOnSonshine · 13/09/2022 07:22

An acquaintance reduced her working hours to 3 days a week, increased them to 5 days for her maternity pay qualifying period and then wondered why her company refused her request to reduce it again to three days.

I would personally go for the consistency and commitment of the 3 days over the extra pay.

Yes this is the key factor here. Forget what your colleagues think. They shouldn't even be involved in the discussion.

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