Returning from maternity

[Strawberryshortcake28]

I have been on maternity for nine months I was told on my return that if I needed a phase return it would be doable

During my maternity leave me and my husband broke up as you can impress after 12 years together and a young baby this has been stressful

I was told to email my ideal phase return and my rationale for it to my business manager I sent a really personal email explaining the situation and how it would benefit me

I then got an email back saying I could have a phased return though would be unpaid as that only applies if i was sick

I am livid and humiliated I did not plan for this upon my return or budget for it It seems so unfair giving the stress I've been under to get my hopes up like that

I have also missed out on numerous promotions /placements since leaving as no one informed me of these opportunities

The full situation has left me depressed any advice / handhold

Have you accrued annual leave whilst being off? You could use that between working to give yourself a phased return on full pay?

Sorry you've had a rough time of it.

Can you use paid KIT days to ease yourself back in to work? Is that what your employer was referring to initially, but worded it wrong?

Can you use any accrued holiday to take regular paid days off each week to ease yourself back in? Say you have 10 days leave accrued, could you have 2 days off a week for 5 weeks for example?

Maybe check out Pregnant then Screwed re: missed promotions and the like.

What did you want for a phased return? I've never heard of anyone having a fully paid phased return from maternity; most people I know have used holiday and/or gone back part time (and been paid as such). Given the amount of stress you've been under, would it help to take sick leave and then agree a phased return from that?

Are they proposing you work unpaid? Or are paid for the days you work, and unpaid the days you don't? (option 1 is not allowed, option 2 is)

Surely you would use some of your accrued annual leave/KIT days. It can make you feel so vulnerable at this time going back to work so I wish you all the very best and if they're unaccommodating as lots of employers seem to be, plot to leave for somewhere that treats you better. Good luck.

I've only ever heard of a phased return due to a medical condition for returning after sickness absence. You would need a fit note from GP detailing what you need and why you need it. Or by going through occupational health.

But many people phase back in after maternity leave by using annual leave, taking 2 days off a week for a few weeks then taking 1 day a week for another few weeks etc.
I did this and have had colleagues do this.

Thank you for the advice I agree would never have wanted a phase return from mat leave but
1 not everyone has lost their marriage /dealt with a mentally unstable husband / Aired this to various managers as requested for a rationale leading me to belief i was going to get one
2 been verbally agreed it then have it withdrew
3 got my hopes up financially planned for it / given childcare notice of if it to have it withdrew

I never wanted to take sick leave but looking like it's a possibility