Returning to work after maternity leave is an emotive issue for many new mothers.

Many new mothers would prefer to stay at home with their new child but financial demands mean they have to go back to work. Many new mothers on the other hand can’t wait to get back to work.
Currently ordinary maternity leave (OML) is set at 26 weeks and additional maternity leave (AML) is set at 52 weeks. Compulsory maternity leave is 2 weeks after giving birth and you will not be allowed to return to work in this period.

When you return to work after OML you are entitled to start exactly the same job. When you return to work after taking AML you are also entitled to return to exactly the same job. However if the company that you can work for can demonstrate that this is not possible ( if the position no longer existed) then you have the right to be offered a similar alternative job on similar terms and conditions.

After your maternity leave has ended you cannot stay off work as you will lose your right to return to work. If you require further time away from work you have a number of options.

You can ask your employer if you can take annual leave straight after your maternity leave has finished. You can take Parental Leave –which will probably be unpaid and requires you to give 21 days notice.

You can also ask your employer if they will agree to a further period of work.
A fairer deal for unpaid work is needed such as babysitting done by grandparents and friends of the family.

In the clerical officer review a family room at opc was said to greatly increase productivity and staff morale. Returning to work after giving birth is a super choice but it is not for everyone.