Can You Work on Maternity Leave? 2023 Guide
Is it possible to perform duties during maternity leave?
If you are on maternity leave, you may be wondering if you can work while still receiving maternity pay. The answer is yes, but only for a limited number of days.
The Maternity Allowance (MA) legislation in the UK allows mothers to work for up to 10 Keeping in Touch (KIT) days without affecting their pay. These KIT days are designed to help new mothers keep in touch with their workplace and ease their transition back to work after having a baby.
What are KIT Days?
KIT days are a type of work that mothers can carry out during their maternity leave. These days are designed to help new mothers maintain contact with their workplace and ease their transition back to work.
KIT days can include things such as training days, team meetings, or even attending a work-related conference. It’s important to note that KIT days are entirely optional and you don’t have to work them if you don’t want to.
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If you’re concerned about how to handle maternity leave, this video is a must-watch. It covers everything from regulations to leave management and is sure to ease any worries you may have.
Is it possible to work while on maternity leave?
If you are currently on maternity leave, the question of whether you can work or not is a common one. The answer is, technically, yes, but it comes with certain restrictions and considerations.
Keeping in Touch Days
If you are on Maternity Allowance (MA), you can only work up to 10 days of Keeping in Touch (KIT) without affecting your pay. Any work you do beyond those 10 days, whether employed or self-employed, will lead to disqualification from claiming MA for at least the number of days you worked in excess of those 10 days.
Employer’s Approval
Before agreeing to any work during maternity leave, ensure that you have your employer’s approval beforehand. Legally, you are not required to request permission to work during your maternity leave, but it’s a good idea to keep them informed and to discuss how work can be accommodated without affecting your leave entitlements.
Risk Assessments
Your employer has a legal duty-of-care to ensure your safety and well-being while at work. This obligation extends to you, even during your maternity leave.
Before returning to work, your employer must conduct a risk assessment to ensure it’s safe for you to return to work.
In conclusion, you can work during maternity leave but with certain restrictions and considerations. It’s essential to note that you need to have your employer’s approval beforehand, comply with Keeping In Touch (KIT) regulations, and ensure that a safety and risk assessment is conducted before returning to work.
Can you work on maternity leave?
If you are on maternity leave, you can work up to 10 Keeping in Touch (KIT) days without it affecting your pay. Any work you do in addition to the 10 days, whether employed or self-employed, will lead to you being disqualified from claiming maternity allowance for at least the number of days you worked in excess of those 10 days.
Pregnant female employees, whether single or married, are extended leave credits with full pay to be used in every instance of pregnancy, miscarriage or emergency termination of pregnancy, regardless of frequency.
To work while on maternity leave, it is important that your employer provides a maternity policy that allows you to work. The time you take off counts as maternity leave even if you’re working.
This policy is often referred to as “keeping in touch days”. Any work you do should use a keeping in touch day, including going to training or meetings.
You should be paid for keeping in touch days.
How to work while on maternity leave
Many women who take maternity leave may want to work or be employed while on this leave period, either to maintain their skills or earn extra income. Here are some things to consider:
1. Know your company’s policy
Before you start working while on maternity leave, it is essential to check your company’s policy regarding this matter. Your employer may have restrictions, or you may need to comply with certain rules when working while on leave.
Understanding your company’s policy can help you develop your plan on how to balance your work and leave effectively.
2. Review your maternity leave agreement
Reviewing your maternity leave agreement is crucial, so you know what you need to do to make working while on maternity leave happen. Reading this document can also help you determine if there are any notification requirements or if you need to obtain written consent from your employer to start working while on leave.
3. Determine the amount of work you will do
Deciding on the amount of work you will do is critical. Consider how much time you can dedicate to working while fulfilling your responsibilities as a mother.
While it is possible to work full-time while on maternity leave, many women choose to work part-time or take on freelance or consultant roles to achieve a better work-life balance.
4. Know your pay entitlements
Working while on maternity leave may impact your pay entitlements. Your total earnings during this period, either through employment or self-employment, can affect the amount of statutory maternity pay you receive.
It’s best to seek expert advice or speak directly to your employer regarding your pay entitlements when working while on leave.
5. Keep in touch with your employer
Staying in contact with your employer is vital when you plan to work while on maternity leave. Make use of keeping in touch (KIT) days to attend work-related meetings or training.
KIT days are fully paid days that pregnant women can use to maintain contact with their employers. Utilizing these days can help keep you connected with your employer and maintain your skills necessary for your job.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I work on maternity leave and still receive maternity pay?
Can I refuse to work on maternity leave?
Can I work while on maternity leave to keep up with my skills?
Can You Work on Maternity Leave?
Working while on maternity leave is subject to certain requirements and limitations. If you are on Maternity Allowance (MA), you can only work up to 10 Keeping in Touch (KIT) days without it affecting your pay.
Any work you do in addition to the 10 days, whether employed or self-employed, will lead to you being disqualified from claiming MA for at least the number of days you worked in excess of those 10 days. Pregnant female employees, whether single or married, are extended leave credits with full pay to be used in every instance of pregnancy, miscarriage or emergency termination of pregnancy, regardless of frequency.
Using Keeping in Touch Days
Any work you do should use a KIT day – including going to training or meetings. You should be paid for KIT days.
If you are on maternity or family leave and getting Statutory Maternity Pay (SMP), Statutory Adoption Pay (SAP), or Shared Parental Pay (ShPP), you can work on a self-employed basis without it affecting your pay. This should be genuine self-employment.
