Concerned about how pregnancy could affect your career progression? We’ve answered some of the most common questions to help give you peace of mind and prepare you to return to work after becoming a mother.
Will pregnancy stall my career?
Following on from the Equality Act 2010, it is against the law to discriminate against employees who are pregnant or have recently given birth. This means that your employer cannot use your pregnancy as a reason to overlook you for projects and possible promotions.
You also have a legal right to return to your old job following ‘ordinary maternity leave’ (26 weeks) if you can continue to work in line with the original terms and conditions.
However, most women find that pregnancy does stall their career to a degree simply because of the time off taken. In addition to the maternity leave period which can last up to one year, many women choose to return as part-time workers – at least initially.
Reduced hours often mean restriction from senior roles with the most responsibility. This is thought to be why gendered patterns of occupational progression are reinforced after childbirth.
When should I go back to work?
In the UK, Statutory Maternity Leave is one year, and your employer should assume you want to take the full amount unless otherwise stated. This is split into Ordinary and Additional Maternity Leave, and Statutory Maternity Pay is paid for up to 39 weeks.
Legally, you must take at least two weeks – four weeks for factory workers – off following the birth. It’s then up to you how soon you want to return, but you must give your employer at least 8 weeks’ notice if you want to change your proposed start date.
You should not feel guilty whenever you decide to return, whether this is after just a few weeks or the full year. The best option will be unique to you and your situation, dictated by how much you have to prioritise pay, your career goals and the childcare options available.
Tragically, a small amount of births lead to life-changing injuries for the baby or the mother. In these cases, it may be impossible to return to work, at least for the foreseeable future. Speak to your employer to see if any arrangement can be reached, and consider contacting specialist maternity negligence lawyers to claim financial compensation if negligence caused the injury.
Is it hard to return after maternity leave?
Returning to work after maternity leave can raise many competing emotions. You’ll likely feel excited and nervous in equal measure, and the process will be both strange and familiar.
Take time to get used to being at work again, and avoid putting too much pressure on yourself to catch up immediately on everything you’ve missed. An informal meeting with your cover before you start could give you some peace of mind, and it’s sensible to have regular reviews with your line manager once you are back full-time.
Not ready to return full-time immediately? Speak to your HR team about a phased return or discuss flexible working hours or a hybrid contract so you can complete tasks from home.
© Copyright 2024 Antonia, All rights Reserved. Written For: Tidylife
Leave a Reply