Returning to work

Whether you've been on maternity leave, extended sick leave or claiming Jobseekers Allowance for a while, the first day back can be daunting. Don't worry - there are plenty of schemes to help you get back into the swing of things and laws to protect your job while you're absent.

"It may be tough at first but you'll soon feel like you've never been away!"

Returning from maternity leave

Every woman has the right to return to the same job, with the same terms and conditions, she had before. Occasionally, jobs no longer exist when women return from maternity leave, in which case you must be offered alternative work.

Coming back can be nerve-wracking, especially if you're still having sleepless nights with your baby, but many employers have keeping-in-touch systems to allow you to acclimatise to the working world again. A child-friendly employment policy may also include things like flexible working hours and childcare vouchers. See the Lifetracks article on maternity leave for more information about your rights.

Depending on your circumstances you may be entitled to extra financial benefits, such as:

Returning from long-term sick leave

Laws designed to improve the rights of people with disabilities are also affecting the way employers deal with staff who've taken extended sick leave.But every company has its own policy. Some will make changes to the working environment to suit your needs, while others are happy to let you return part-time. There's also plenty of assistance to get you up and running, including:

Work Preparation programme: For practical help and advice before you start work
Pathways to Work: Encourages people who are claiming incapacity benefits to return to work
Access to Work: Help for those whose disability affects their work
Return to Work Credit:Provides financial support during your first year of work
Job Grant: Paid to you automatically when you start your new job
New Deal for Disabled People (NDDP): Helps people move from benefits into employment and settle in with the support of a 'job broker' tailored to your specific needs
The Workstep employment programme: Provides support to disabled people facing tougher challenges in the workplace

Jobseekers allowance (JSA)

For those returning after a period of claiming JSA there's financial as well as practical support available, including:

Once you have a job it's important to check how it will affect your benefits. Some will stop automatically; others will carry on for a short while to tide you over. Your advisor at Jobcentre Plus should be able to help you with this.

How do I know if I'm being treated fairly?

Your employer has a duty to give you a contract. Read it before your first day and raise any concerns you have before you start. If you're going back to your original job, discuss any changes that may have taken place in your absence and establish what's expected of you from day one. Restructuring and downsizing are now common words in the workplace. If this has affected your role, make sure you're aware of the changes.

If you're denied your rights, or you feel the change in your role is unreasonable, the advice is simple: talk. Good communication can stop anything getting out of hand. If, however, things do get out of hand, trade unions are always there to help – but you have to be a member.

Help! The thought of going back to work is terrifying me...

When you start back at work, try to be realistic about your expectations. It may be tough at first - nerves may get the better of you and you may feel a little lost as you re-familiarise yourself with the working environment. Go out with an old colleague for lunch on the first day and arrange catch-up meetings with key staff members. It shouldn't take long to settle in – you'll soon feel like you've never been away!

By Nicola Scott

Jargon Buster

Statutory:: Conforms with a law passed by a legislative body, like parliament.
Restructuring:: Reorganisation of a company to adapt to the economic climate.
Downsizing:: When a company reduces the number of people employed.

Do some volunteering before returning to work - this is a great way to build confidence and learn extra skills without the pressure of a full-time job.
Stay ahead of the game and get in some extra training, there are plenty of refresher courses out there.
Talk to a careers advisor if you're thinking of changing your job.
Update your CV and make sure you include any new skills you've acquired whilst you've been away.
If you can, meet your old colleagues before you start. Get the lowdown on what's been going on since you left.
Set two alarm clocks so you're not late on your first day.

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