Keep in Touch: Understanding Your Rights and Options During Maternity, Adoption, and Parental Leave

As an expectant parent, it's natural to feel a sense of excitement and uncertainty about the upcoming changes in your life. With the arrival of your child comes a new set of responsibilities, but also a range of benefits and rights to support you during this significant period. In this article, we'll delve into the world of 'keep in touch' days, exploring what they are, how they work, and what your rights entail.

What Are Keep in Touch Days?

Keep in touch (KIT) days refer to a specific arrangement between employers and employees on maternity or adoption leave. These days allow parents to balance their work and family life by working part-time while still receiving leave pay. The idea is to maintain connections with colleagues, stay updated on company developments, and ease the transition back into full-time employment.

How Do Keep in Touch Days Work?

Employees can work up to 10 days during maternity or adoption leave, with prior agreement from their employer. For Shared Parental Leave, employees can work up to 20 days. The type of work and pay arrangements should be discussed and agreed upon before returning to work. These days are optional, and both the employee and employer must consent to them.

What Are My Rights During Keep in Touch Days?

When taking keep in touch days, your rights as an employee remain largely unaffected. You can still:

* Continue building up holiday entitlement

* Take accrued holiday time before or after your leave

* Maintain pension contributions (unless your contract specifies otherwise)

* Enjoy any pay rises and improvements in terms and conditions during your leave

Other Key Points to Keep in Mind

* If you're on unpaid periods of maternity or parental leave, you have the right to return to your job if a suitable alternative is available.

* You can only be made redundant if your employer can clearly justify it, such as due to business closures.

* If you unreasonably refuse a similar job offer, your employer may consider this as your resignation.

Keep in touch days offer a valuable opportunity for parents to balance their work and family life during maternity, adoption, and parental leave. By understanding your rights and options, you can make informed decisions about your career and personal life. Remember that open communication with your employer is key to making keep in touch days a success.