Returning to work: Guide for parents and employers

Returning to work after having a baby can raise a whole heap of personal and professional questions. Our research has shown that although the majority of women (61%) return to work after giving birth, one in three women (39%) found going back to work after having a baby difficult or very difficult.

The NCT supports the parent’s decision to stay at home with their children or return to work in some capacity (full-time / part-time). We campaign for greater support for parents to enable them to make the decisions that are right for them and their families.

Our research has suggested that by understanding their legal rights and where work and family fit a woman will have a greater chance of a smooth return back into the workplace after birth. Many employers want to do the right thing and have good maternity policies, but individual line managers don’t always know how to implement them effectively.

We aim to help rectify this situation and have launched two free online guides.

Our employers' guide is designed to inform employers and line managers on the legal and social aspects of pregnancy and parenthood.

Our parents' guide provides details on legal rights and contains practical tips and advice on how mums can plan the maternity leave process.

Each guide has been prepared in partnership with the charity Working Families and with the input of over 1500 working parents, as well as line managers and employers. The online guides were sponsored by Russell Jones & Walker Solicitors, DHL & Pregnacare.

Download the parents guide or employers guide from the links below.