Your maternity leave is drawing to a close – what next? Hilary Pereira explores your options when it comes to decision time

Much as none of us wants to think too far ahead to when the Big Decision has to be made – to return to work or not – unless it’s a no-brainer for you, there’s so much to consider that it’s worth spending a bit of time researching your options.

 

What are my options?
Some women will already know as they go on maternity leave whether or not they are likely to return to the workplace; others will be less sure; some will be considering a change of direction or a different working structure. The basic options are:
• stay at home full-time (ie give up work)
• negotiate to work part-time for the same employer
• investigate working from home for the same employer
• take a career break
• have a change of career
• set up your own business.

Your entitlements
It helps to be quite clear of what your legal rights are, should you decide to return to work. First, if you’re going back after ordinary maternity leave, you have a right to return to the same job with the same terms and conditions. If you’ve taken additional maternity leave, this also applies, unless your employer can make a good case that it’s not reasonable or practicable for you to come back in the same role. If this happens, though, you’re still entitled to be offered another job with the same terms and conditions as before.

Flexible working
As the parent of a child aged 16 or under (or a disabled child under 18) you’re entitled to request a flexible working pattern. Legally, your employer must consider your request and respond to you in writing. If your request is refused, your employer must give good reasons why the proposed new working pattern won’t work. Sarah Jackson, Chief Executive of work-life balance charity Working Families says: “Although working parents sometimes face a tough balancing act, we also know that – for many – the resulting sense of self-esteem and the financial advantages for their family make the effort worthwhile. Very often, working flexibly offers a ‘win-win’ solution for all concerned.”

Pros and cons of returning to work
Pros
• You’ll maintain a degree of financial independence.
• You may feel more fulfilled as a person.
• You may feel you are maintaining an important part of your identity.
• You’ll probably be better off as a family.
• You’ll have more to occupy your mind – and to talk about – than baby care.
• You may feel you’ll be a more effective mother if you spend some time away from your child.
• Your child will become used to separation and will hopefully become more sociable.

Cons
• You’ll have less contact with your child.
• Unless you have parents or family who are willing to take on childcare, it’ll cost a considerable amount of money.
• You may feel ‘pulled in all directions’.
• You may feel guilty about leaving your child.
• You may find juggling work and home life exhausting.
• You may feel that you are not being a good enough employee or mother.
• Working Families’ website www.workingfamilies.org.uk offers advice and information (including a Tax Credit calculator to help you plan your finances) on employment rights and flexible working. The advice line on 0800 013 0313 can help you negotiate a flexible working solution that works for you and your boss.

Going back early
Some new mums need or want to return to work before their maternity leave is up. If this is the case for you, you’ll need to let your employer know in writing of your intention to return, giving at least eight weeks’ notice.

Finding childcare
A great number of families use their own parents or other family as childcarers, mostly unpaid. If that’s not an option for you, you’ll need to do some research on what’s available in your area. A good starting point for this is your local Children’s Information Service (CIS). To find out more, go to www.childcarelink.gov.uk. Word-of-mouth recommendations are also worth checking out. Do visit any prospective providers with a thorough list of questions before deciding which you think will suit you and your child best, and arranging a few ‘settling’ visits.

What about the finances?
Ninety per cent of families are eligible to claim tax credits. Child Tax Credit is paid from the government directly into the bank account of a child’s main carer, and is payable whether or not you’re working.

Working Tax Credit is only payable to employed families, and includes an element of support towards the costs of registered or approved childcare. In order to be eligible, you must be using formal childcare: either a registered childminder or nursery – or, if your child is older, a play scheme or out-of-school club; a school or other establishment that is exempt from being registered; or a childcare provider for children aged eight or over who is approved by an accredited organisation or an approved home carer. Lone parents must work for at least 16 hours per week; if you’re in a relationship, you must both work for at least 16 hours per week, unless one of you is incapacitated, in which case the other must work at least 16 hours per week.

The childcare element of the Working Tax Credit pays a sliding scale of up to 80 per cent of the costs of eligible childcare to a maximum of £175 per week for one child and £300 per week for two or more children. As with Child Tax Credit, the money is paid directly into the bank account of a child’s main carer. (Visit www.hmrc.gov.uk/taxcredits for information on eligibility)

Going it alone
More and more women are setting up their own businesses as a way of staying home as well as earning money. In fact, a survey commissioned by AXA Protection in 2006 found that over a third of new and expecting mums were aiming to set up their own enterprises. It’s a tough decision to make: you’ll need to identify your own personal strengths; come up with an idea for an enterprise; find out if there’s enough demand for your services and invest some capital, so it’s not a choice to be made lightly. You might be able to find another mum who will go in with you on your enterprise: if so, choose carefully. You want someone who is prepared to be equally committed and not just take a ride on your coat tails.

To explore the idea further, visit www.startups.co.uk for tips on the most sustainable businesses, plus lots of advice and ideas. The government’s Business Link website is also packed with information (www.businesslink.gov.uk).