Whether you’re an expectant parent eagerly awaiting the arrival of your child or someone adjusting to the joys and demands of parenting, you\u2019ve probably at some point wondered \u2018can you work while on maternity leave?\u2019. It\u2019s perfectly normal to have worries about finances, maintaining your sense of purpose and generally keeping up with the professional world at a time when so much is changing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Below we\u2019ve outlined a few of the UK laws and regulations for working on maternity leave, as well as exploring the opportunities available.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Before we look at what\u2019s possible when it comes to working on maternity leave, it\u2019s important to understand your rights during maternity leave when you live in the UK.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
If you’re employed and pregnant in the UK, you are entitled to 52 weeks (1 year) of maternity leave. This consists of 26 weeks of ordinary maternity leave and 26 weeks of additional maternity leave. During this period, you have several rights, including the option to request flexible work arrangements when returning to work. Your employment terms, such as pension contributions, are also protected during Statutory Maternity Leave<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n However, despite being entitled to 52 weeks off, you\u2019ll get paid for just 39 of them if you\u2019re eligible.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The simple answer is yes, you can work during maternity leave, but with some caveats. Let\u2019s explore different scenarios:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Remember working on maternity leave is possible under certain circumstances, every situation is unique. You can speak to the HR department, Citizens Advice<\/a>, or seek legal advice to ensure you understand how working during maternity leave applies to your specific situation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The goal is to find the right balance that honours your professional commitments, personal needs and legal entitlements. With careful planning and open communication, exciting opportunities await!<\/p>\n\n\n\n Embracing maternity leave doesn\u2019t necessarily mean a full break from your professional life<\/a>. For those considering working while on maternity leave, here’s how you can stay engaged with the workplace, whether it’s with your current employer or by venturing into the world of freelancing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n As mentioned earlier, KIT days allow you to maintain a professional connection by working up to 10 days during maternity leave without impacting your SMP. They can be used for things like attending training, workshops and meetings, ensuring a smoother transition back into full-time work when you\u2019re ready.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If you want to continue working, consider discussing part-time or flexible work arrangements with your employer. Many companies are increasingly open to flexibility, recognising the value of supporting employees during significant life changes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If your contract allows you to work part-time during maternity leave, or if you\u2019ve left your old workplace and are looking for a new source of income, freelancing can open doors to exciting opportunities tailored to your skills and interests, while maintaining a flexible schedule. Here are a few ideas:<\/p>\n\n\n\n 1. Market Research<\/strong>: If you’re analytical and enjoy working with data, you could get paid to conduct surveys or analyse market trends from home, helping companies understand their audience. This role allows you to use your analytical skills in a way that suits your family life.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 2. Design Work<\/strong>: If you’re creative or already work in graphic design, you can pick up freelance work designing logos, websites or social media graphics during your mat leave. You\u2019ll get a chance to be creative and earn extra income at the same time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 3. Voice-Over Artistry<\/strong>: If you can confidently convey emotion through speech, you could record audiobooks, podcasts or commercials at home. A good quality microphone and soundproofing are all you need to showcase your vocal talents.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 4. Affiliate Marketing<\/strong>: If you already have a strong online presence like a popular blog or lots of Instagram followers, affiliate marketing can be a profitable way to maintain an income during maternity leave. By promoting products or services for partnered companies, you can earn commission for every sale through your unique affiliate link.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 5. Freelance Writing<\/strong>: Copywriting or blog writing for clients can be good options for working on maternity leave, as you may be able to fit in a few paragraphs here and there around other responsibilities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 6. Mentoring<\/strong>: If you can spare an hour a week to chat to someone online, you might like to consider becoming a mentor for someone who\u2019s in a similar position to you (this is known as peer mentoring<\/a>) or for a mentee who wants to have your job title one day.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Mentoring is a great career opportunity for working during maternity leave part-time, which can help you stay social and connected to your profession.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Mentoring keeps you in touch with the industry and after years in your field, it gives you a new sense of purpose. It’s a great way to use your knowledge, make new connections and feel productive, while enjoying your newfound parenthood. Read more about the benefits of mentoring<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Maternity leave is a transformative time, when personal aspirations intertwine with newfound responsibilities. It’s one of the most important times in the lives of a parent. Balancing your career with your health, involving your co-parent and getting some downtime are all important. Here are some actionable tips to help you navigate working on maternity leave:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Explore mentoring with Career Navig8r, a platform that connects professionals like you with mentees who are eager to learn. By sharing insights from your unique professional journey, you can guide and support others, giving back to your industry while topping up your income.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The platform’s flexibility allows you to set your own schedule, making it easy to balance both family responsibilities and your mentoring role. Make a difference while boosting your earnings.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Joining the Career Navig8r community is as easy as:<\/p>\n\n\n\nCan I Work On Maternity Leave?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
How Can I Work During Maternity Leave?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
With Your Current Employer<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
1. KIT (Keeping in Touch) Days<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n
2. Negotiating flexible work arrangements<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n
Remember, every organisation is different, so an honest discussion with your HR department is crucial to create a plan that suits both parties.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\nExploring Freelance Opportunities<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Working on Maternity Leave as a Mentor<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
How to Navigate Working Part-Time During Maternity Leave<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Become a Mentor with Career Navig8r<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Getting Started is Easy<\/h3>\n\n\n\n