going back to work after having my baby

[someonesgirl]

Hello all

Apparently ive got to let my work know my proposed working hours (full or part-time) and shifts and all that for when i return to work before i go on my maternity leave. (which is october). The thing is, im finding it a headache working out how much less i will be taking home by working less hours and who i want to leave my baby with and the fact that i will have to work weekends. Its all becoming very depressing and besides looking for a new job while im off, i cant seem to see any good solutions really......does anyone want to donate me a million pounds?!
Hmmmmmph....

[OBonio]

My wife dropped to half hours when she went back to work. Works out a bit more than half pay. She also works shift work and decided on a short day on a Wednesday, then alternately doing a long night shift on the Friday and and a long day on the Sat or Sun. It's not the best as we only have one full day a week as a family, but it's necessary to pay the bills.

[tigwig]

you might want to check this out in case I am wrong but I thought you didn't have to tell your employers whether or not you intend returning to work at all until much nearer the time of return not before you even go on leave. This was definitely the case 3 years ago I would check with your midwife. I gave my employers an idea of what I wanted to do but this was not set in stone and you have the right to change your mind and they cannot make you pay any maternity leave back, I actually ended going back a month early after I originally told them I was going to take 8 months off, they couldn't do anything about it though as it was my right. I am not sure if this is the case now though so I would check first but I do believe that you shouldn't be pressurised into making any difficult decisions like this after all your priorities will completely change after baby arrives and you can't possibly say now how you are going to feel then

[missrandom]

dont forget that you may be entitled to a percentage of your childcare costs paid for. I dont know what the criteria is but its worth finding out. Also some employers offer childcare vouchers and tax incentives.

[kaztuz]

I think you are right tigwig, as far as I know too they can't make you say when you are going to go back after the six months maternity leave ends and how many hours you will work when you go back until you are coming to the end of the six month statutory leave. If you look on the DWP website it will advise what is the law on this matter.

Don't let the work thing spoil your special time, and once your baby arrives it will hopefully take your mind off it too.

[Kaz081992]

As far as the money part goes, remember you'll be entitled to child allowance which works out at just over �70 a month & depending on income, child tax credits and working tax credits.

[heliganmarie]

You don't have to give them any details, just let them know you will be returning. If you want more help get oin touch with the Maternity Alliance or the National Childbirth Trust.

[someonesgirl]

thanks everyone!

Tigwig is right, i dont have to sign anything just yet, i just have to give notice as to my proposed shifts so they can say no and compromise!!!

Its just all so confusing isnt it!? I just want to go home and sleep everyday and i cant wait for my time off, except i know i wont want to come back!! And i know i cant afford to do that! Hmmmmph