Keeping in touch with work on mat leave
How often do you need to keep in touch with work whilst on maternity leave?
I am taking a year out of work on mat leave and my employer is messaging every month about when ill be returning etc. I sent an email before Christmas stating that I would still be taking the full 12 month entitlement of my maternity leave (I had already told them this in person, but they decided to hire my mat cover for 6 months assuming I'd come back early) and they replied to state what my return to work date would be.
I've received a message last week, which I haven't replied to yet - because baby is literally having melt down after melt down at the minute and I don't have time to reply (teething, sleep regression, allergies, seperation anxiety etc 🥺).
I've had another message today saying we need a meeting next week to discuss my return to work in June. Is it unreasonable of my to ask for this meeting to me a little closer to my return date? I haven't secured a nursery space yet, I haven't even been to view one (waiting lists, I know I know 🤦♀️) I guess I'm just not really sure why I need to have the meeting 5 months before I'm due to go back?
Also do you have to agree to KIT days? I keep reading they're at the discretion of the employers, but if they want me to do them and I don't - do I have to??
Its all just making me irrationally angry and I want to tell them to leave me alone but is it normal for me to have to stay in touch so much whilst on leave?
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Hi. I believe it is up to you whether you want to have any KIT days or not. It should be an agreement from both sides. If you don’t want to have any, your employer should respect it. I’d just block your employer and enjoy your MAT leave. They know your return to work day and they shouldn’t bother you until then
this is what I was hoping to read! But didn't know if I just had unrealistic ideas of being left alone for a year 🤣🤦♀️
I agree with the above. They can't actually pester you or influence your decision on when to go back,it's totally your calk and you have told them twice already. If you want any more info on what your rights during mat leave are and also ideas on how to reply to their emails then have a look at pregnantthenscrewed.com. or give them a call. They were immensely helpful when I had a similar issue with a previous employer x
thank you so much! 🧡
Think it might depend on your employer but I have to give 8 weeks notice for going back so 5 months seems excessive
5 months? Naaa I’d message them back saying that this meeting need to be rescheduled approx 8-10weeks prior to your return AND that meeting will be taken from your kit days. ( that way you can get paid for attending the office) also I would remind them not to message you so frequently as it is messing with your mental health…
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