DO review your life and career
goals after you have been back for
a couple of months.
caring responsibilities. You should make a
written application and think carefully about
how it would work in your role. Read more in
our article here.
You may choose to work differently when
going back to work after having a baby in
order to balance your job and time with
your family or childcare needs. Flexible
working could be an option for you to
consider. There are a number of different
options you could consider, such as working
part-time, term-time only, working from
home or jobshare.
Choosing childcare
Finding the right childcare is the most
common concern amongst parents.
Availability, flexibility and cost of childcare
can vary dramatically between different
areas of the UK. Read our article about
childcare options for families for more
information.
Flexible working after maternity leave
All employees are entitled to request
changes to their hours of work, days of work
or place of work provided they have been
with the company for at least 26 weeks. This
is called a ‘request for flexible work’.
Employees can apply for any reason - even
if it is linked to their personal preferences.
This, of course, includes parental or other
It can feel strange having a foot in two
different worlds; the working world where
you have to carry on functioning in the
same way as you did before your baby was
born, and your new life with your baby. You
will find the right balance eventually and
how to make your two worlds work well
together.
Further information
NCT's helpline offers practical and emotional support in many areas of pregnancy, birth and
early parenthood: 0300 330 0700.
You might find attending one of NCT's Early Days groups helpful as they give you the
opportunity to explore different approaches to important parenting issues with a qualified
group leader and other new parents in your area.
ACAS offers advice on employment rights and early conciliation. You can call their helpline
on 0300 123 1100.
Maternity Action has information on maternity rights and you can call their helpline on
helpline 0845 600 8533.
You can call the Working Families' helpline on 0300 012 0312 or email:
[email protected].
Yesslaw provides advice and help with resolving disputes at work, as well as information on
shared parental leave. Call 020 3701 7530/7531 or email [email protected].
NCT Newbury & District
20