Returning to Work After Maternity Leave: A Practical Guide

Planning Your Return

Returning to work after maternity leave is a big transition. Here's everything you need to consider to make it as smooth as possible.

When to Return

You don't need to give notice if you're returning after your full 52 weeks. But if you want to return earlier, you must give your employer at least 8 weeks' notice.

Your Right to Return

•After Ordinary Maternity Leave (first 26 weeks): You must be allowed back to your exact same job

•After Additional Maternity Leave (last 26 weeks): Same job, or a suitable alternative on equal terms

Flexible Working

Since 2024, every employee in the UK has the right to request flexible working from day one of employment. This is particularly valuable when returning from maternity leave, as it helps you balance work with your new caring responsibilities.

Types of Flexible Working

•Part-time hours: Reducing your weekly hours, for example from five days to three or four

•Compressed hours: Working your full-time hours over fewer days (e.g., four longer days instead of five)

•Flexitime: Choosing when you start and finish, which can help with nursery drop-offs and pick-ups

•Job sharing: Splitting a full-time role with another person

•Working from home: Remote or hybrid arrangements, reducing commuting time and costs

•Term-time working: Only working during school terms (where the employer agrees)

How to Make a Flexible Working Request

You can make up to two statutory flexible working requests per year. To give yourself the best chance of success:

1.Put your request in writing, explaining the pattern you want and how it could work for your team

2.Consider the business impact and suggest solutions to any potential issues

3.Be open to compromise — your employer may propose an alternative arrangement

4.Your employer must respond within 2 months and can only refuse for one of eight specific business reasons set out in law

If your request is refused, you can appeal the decision. Read our full guide on flexible working after maternity leave for detailed advice on making a successful request.

Your Rights if Your Role Has Changed

When you return from maternity leave, you have a legal right to return to your job. However, you may find that things have changed during your absence. Here is what you need to know:

•After Ordinary Maternity Leave (first 26 weeks): You must be offered the exact same job on the same terms and conditions

•After Additional Maternity Leave (last 26 weeks): You should be offered the same job, or if that is not reasonably practicable, a suitable alternative on terms no less favourable

If your employer has restructured your team or changed your role significantly without consulting you, this could amount to pregnancy discrimination. Keep a record of any changes and seek advice from ACAS if you are unsure about your rights.

If your role has been made redundant during your maternity leave, you have enhanced redundancy protection and must be offered any suitable alternative vacancy ahead of other employees. This protection now extends to 18 months after the birth of your child.

Financial Planning for Your Return

Returning to work brings new financial considerations. Take time to review your household budget and plan for the transition:

•Calculate your return-to-work salary — if you are switching to part-time hours, use our Take-Home Pay Calculator to see your new after-tax income

•Factor in childcare costs — childcare is likely your biggest new expense. Read our guide on childcare costs after maternity leave to understand your options

•Claim your annual leave — you will have accrued annual leave during maternity, which could mean extra paid days off or a lump-sum payout

•Check your pension — your employer should have continued pension contributions during your paid maternity leave

•Review your tax code — your tax code may need updating after a period of lower income

For a full financial overview, read our guide on financial planning for maternity leave.

Childcare Costs and Support

Tax-Free Childcare

The government pays £2 for every £8 you pay into a childcare account, up to £2,000 per year per child (£4,000 for disabled children). Read our Tax-Free Childcare guide for full details on how to apply.

30 Hours Free Childcare

Working parents of 3–4 year olds can get 30 hours of free childcare per week. From 2025, this was extended to children from 9 months old.

Childcare Vouchers

While the scheme is closed to new applicants, existing users can continue using salary sacrifice childcare vouchers.

Universal Credit Childcare

If you are on Universal Credit, you can claim up to 85% of your childcare costs. See our guide on benefits during maternity leave for more details.

KIT Days Before Returning

Use your remaining Keeping in Touch (KIT) days wisely:

•Attend a team catch-up a few weeks before your return

•Complete any mandatory training

•Discuss your role and any changes with your manager

•Sort out practical arrangements (desk, IT access, parking)

Breastfeeding at Work

Your employer must:

•Carry out a risk assessment for breastfeeding employees

•Provide a private room (not a toilet) for expressing milk

•Allow reasonable breaks for expressing

•Provide access to a fridge for storing milk

Emotional Wellbeing

It is completely normal to feel a range of emotions about returning to work after maternity leave:

•Guilt about leaving your baby

•Anxiety about managing work and parenthood

•Excitement about returning to your career

•Worry about catching up on changes

Consider speaking to your GP if you are feeling particularly anxious or low. Many employers also offer employee assistance programmes with free, confidential counselling.