Maternity leave

[Joe's Mum]

I am having a baby in March and I was wondering when I have to let my employer know when I want to finish work. Also if I asked to cut down to a four day week after christmas where do I stand?

[Bonzo 2000]

Try the DSS website for all matters relating to Maternity Leave.  Both you and your employer will need to be clued up on issues like when to advise when you are leaving, when you actually leave, when you plan to return and when you actually return.  If you alter your contract by going down to 4 days after Christmas, your maternity pay allowances may be based on this lower rate.  Talk to your boss about it.

[Hgrove]

Try ACAS - Advisory Conciliation and Arbitration Service.

[SGKelloe32]

You should let your employer know as soon as possible, by writing to the personnel section, they also need to know when you will be returning, as you should have some sort of back to work interview. As for reducing your days, all employers must now be as flexible as possible reguarding working hours, have a discussion with your boss or personnel section for more details.

[Hgrove]

I was in a hurry when I left my other message, but I just wanted to add:  when I was pregnant (1998) I obtained a very useful booklet from ACAS, it was very easy to read and covered pretty much everything.  As far as I know there is a deadline by which you have to tell them and you are not obliged to tell them as soon as poss. However, it is better to tell them soonish because you will need time off for anti-natal appointments etc.

[Lindy Loo]

Congratulations Joe's Mum!!!!

Just found this site, and thought it might be of use!!

http://www.wandb.co.uk/services/factsheet/factsheet_maternity_ rights.htm

Check out the other suggestions too, the more information you have the better. And yes talk to your boss!!

 

Hope all goes well for you. You know where we are!!!