Returning to work after being on maternity leave

[sbarry85]

I am due to return to work in 6 weeks after being on maternity leave, I am a 25 hour reserve and I only know what I will be working on a weekly basis, this is going to be a problem from now as I need a childminder and need permanent days and times, where do I stand about working with a permanent or rotating day off? Or maybe work 25 hours over less days?? Thanks sam

[TrueBlueTerrier]

Best advice is to get on to your equalities officer at Branch and read up on the Family Friendly working stuff in downloads.

[salomon]

Hi, I used to work as a childminder and do understand your problem but something worth offering a childminder is to pay a half rate retainer on the days you don't use but book every day, this is handy if you suddenly need childcare or offer to pay a higher hourly rate over the other days. It's only for a couple of years then you have nursery etc to contend with. Definitely worth trying to find a sympathetic childminder with a baby space. Have you started looking as I used to get booked up months in advance especially with babies.
It would be worth agreeing the same start time with the childminder as well as she may be doing a school run, or going to an activity.
You may find you are paying for a place to be kept open but it's usually still worth working and it's not for ever.