How to keep in touch with work during maternity leave

Should I be consulted if there are going to be redundancies?
Yes, you should be consulted along with other staff. If you are made redundant during maternity leave, you are entitled to first refusal of any suitable alternative work that is available. If there is none, your employer must pay any redundancy and notice pay you are entitled to. For more information, please send £1 and an SAE for the Maternity Alliance factsheet Redundancy during pregnancy and maternity leave.

Can I ask to change my hours or work part time after maternity leave?
You are entitled to return to exactly the same job when you return from OML. If you are taking AML you are also entitled to return to exactly the same job, but if your employer can show it is not practical for you to have your old job back, you have the right to a suitable alternative job on similar terms and conditions. If your job is being changed on return, please send £1 and an SAE for the Maternity Alliance factsheet Returning to work.

If you need to work different hours/days because of childcare or you think you will be unable to continue full time, your employer must seriously consider your request and should allow you to change your hours/days unless there is a good business reason for refusing. Although your employer is not legally obliged to reduce your hours or let you go part-time, you may have a case of indirect sex discrimination if your request is refused without good reason. For information on negotiating changes to your present job, please send £1.50 and an A5 SAE for the Maternity Alliance leaflet Child Friendly Working Hours.

Maternity Alliance Information Line: 020 7588 8582
For publications please write to:
Maternity Alliance
45 Beech Street
London
EC2P 2LX