Top Ten Tips When Returning to Work

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• Top Ten Tips When Returning to Work

1. Make sure you are not going back too early. If you feel it is too soon, find out if you can extend your Maternity leave.
2. Discuss your hours, working pattern and any possible flexibility with your boss before you start. It's much harder to change things once you are back in the thick of it.
3. Work out what hours would suit you best and jot down ideas on how the short-fall could be covered by you at home, by another part-time person or by others. Make sure you can afford it.
4. Be flexible but firm in your negotiations. Don't agree to anything you'll later regret.
5. If you have a choice, it's better to under-commit yourself at work at first, then build up to more hours or responsibility when you have established a routine.
6. Be honest with yourself that it is possible to do the hours and working pattern you have agreed.
7. Work out how much time childcare drop-offs & pick-ups will realistically take.
8. Make sure your childcare meets your needs.
9. Check if your employer can offer any help - a workplace nursery, links with other childcare providers or help with childcare costs.
10. Get advice and make sure you are claiming all the benefits you are entitled.

There are many sources of help and support, for further information contact:

Kingston Families Information Service
132 Kingston Road
New Malden
KT3 3ND

Telephone:  020 8547 6582

Email:  fis@rbk.kingston.gov.uk

Visit: Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm