Going back to work pregnant

[LankyDoodle]

Hmmmm. I'm due back Feb 8th and I've worked out that IF I go back to this job (and I probably won't be but it depends...and I will take early mat again if I do, because of the nature of the job), I will be owed basically 4 and a half weeks holiday from this year, and will be entitled to take some of next year's beforehand as well (which I would do, as that's how my company tends to work), so depending when I fall pregnant... this month, next month or month after, I could only be back at work 7 weeks before I leave again (8 weeks hol then mat leave from 29 weeks).

So I'd be daft to hand in my notice, right?! 7 weeks is about 17x24 hour shifts. And going back to that job would mean I'd get a decent amount of SMP, unlike this time.

Is it bad form to go back to your job pregnant? I know legally they still have to keep me on etc. But I don't want to piss anyone off. We do want a small age gap...

 

[cuteboots]

I found out I was 2 months pregnant when my lo turned 4 months... I was in the same position as you might be. My boss was fine, I didnt take early maternity leave but I did take my 4 weeks annual leave which meant I only had to return for 8 weeks though my boss was great.

 

[jenstar]

Personally I wouldn't, because I wouldn't want to annoy them and give pregnant women a bad name. (Which is how a lot of employers would see it.)


But obviously it's up to you.

Is it only SMP you get or does your employer offer an enhanced package? If you didn't go back you may well still qualify for maternity allowance, which is almost the same money as SMP.

If you only get SMP it doesn't cost the company that much as they claim back the SMP from the government. It costs them the holidays you accrue and they have to keep a post open for you for your return.

 

[fairy1984]

well do you plan to go back to work after your next child ? I think you dont by what you've said? Is it a small family run business who would find it difficult to pay maternity cover again? if the answer is no then I would go back to work pregnant and get the SMP and any additional package.

although will you have to give notice when you want to leave after baby number two? Because I get given additional money to SMP i'd have to go back to work for 3 months after mat leave or i'd have to pay back the additional money so its worth understanding the full t's and c's of yoru contract before making the decision i'd say.

 

[Sarahkka]

Women have worked long and hard to get proper maternity rights in the workplace. It is not a crime to have kids. Take what you are due and don't feel guilty. You've paid into the system before and will again. Take what is offered to you and have your family.

 

[MrsBandEgglet]

^^ wss

I went back to work pregnant and I haven't had any issues, other than I may struggle to fit in all my remaining annual leave before I next go on maternity leave because we're not allowed to take holiday over the christmas period. Good luck with ttc xx

 

[FierceAngel]

Women have worked long and hard to get proper maternity rights in the workplace. It is not a crime to have kids. Take what you are due and don't feel guilty. You've paid into the system before and will again. Take what is offered to you and have your family.

totally agree plus smp is reclaimable by the employer from the goverment x