Returning to work after maternity leave can be incredibly daunting, but knowing your legal rights and taking time to plan can help make the transition feel easier. Here’s everything you need to know about coming back to work after parental leave, including employment rights, pre-return paperwork, tips and advice on how to prepare ahead of returning, and how to approach your first week back.
Your employment rights and pre-return paperwork
Protections, pay, pensions
As of 2025, UK maternity leave law states that your employment terms and conditions should be protected while you’re on parental leave. This means you're entitled to any pay rises and improvements in terms and conditions that have been given while you were away.
You will continue to accrue holiday entitlement while away, and you’re free to take this before or after your leave. It’s worth noting that, in most cases where leave is unpaid, pension contributions usually stop (unless your contract says otherwise).
Returning to work
You have the right to return to your job if you've taken parental leave. If you want to extend your leave beyond the agreed period or return earlier, you'll need to notify your employer in writing at least 8 weeks before your agreed return date. If you do take extended leave, you still have the right to return to your job or a similar role if your current one is no longer available and will be entitled to the same (or better) terms and conditions.
If you're selected for redundancy while on parental leave, you have the right to a suitable alternative job offer — this right lasts for 18 months from the date the child is born or adopted and continues when you return to work.
Return-to-work paperwork and protocols
You'll need to complete some paperwork during your first week back, starting with your 'returning to work' letter. It should include the date you intend to return, confirmation of any working arrangements (like flexible/part-time hours or remote working), and a sentiment expressing your excitement about returning.
We also recommended that you bring updated medical records or documents, as well as childcare details, for use in case of an emergency. In turn, your employer should give a refresher on health and safety guidelines, including any protocols that apply to you as a new parent.
Preparing your return during leave
Slowly shift your daily routine
Try to gradually shift your daily routine back to a 'business day' structure so your body clock (and your new arrival) can acclimate well in advance. A steady routine shift also gives you a firm sense of how much time it'll take you to prepare for your workday now that life has changed.
Plan a catch-up before you officially return
A pre-return catch-up with a manager, department head, or colleague is a nice way to familiarise yourself with the office environment and catch up on new processes, new faces, and things you may have missed. It also offers the perfect opportunity to discuss how you'd like to return (part-time, flexible, etc.), changes to your career goals, and any anxiety you might feel about returning.
Consider a phased return to work after maternity leave
You can ask for part-time hours or flexible working after maternity leave to help ease the transition during the first few weeks or months. Remote or hybrid work arrangements, or flexible hours, are widely included in staff benefit packages and offer a good way to balance a return to work with your new role as a parent.
Read: 2026 Salary Guide – perks and benefits
Plan a mid-week start
Take the pressure off by arranging a mid-week return, so you only have a few days of work before getting a breather! Double-check whether your employer and team are still using the same collaborative or communication platforms and that you've got them downloaded, updated, and ready to go.
Your first weeks back: the reintegration phase
Arrange a thorough handover meeting
You can ease your transition back to work by arranging a thorough handover meeting with your maternity cover to go over everything you've missed, any changes, and the current workload. We also recommend ensuring a day or two of overlap with your maternity cover, to allow for a more thorough handover.
Ask for training
Has your employer or team started using new software or tools since you’ve been away? Given the fast pace of change and innovation in the world of work, there’s a good chance the answer is yes! Ask your employer for a full update on the new tools, software, and programs needed for your role and book in training sessions with the relevant parties.
Go easy on yourself
Balancing being a new parent and a working professional can be incredibly challenging but wonderfully rewarding. Go easy on yourself as you make the transition back to work — it may take time to settle into the new routine and lifestyle, but your employer is there to support you as you take the journey.
Get up to speed with the current hiring landscape, salaries, perks and trends with the 2026 Robert Half Salary Guide. Thinking of starting a new part-time, remote, or flexible role? Upload your CV now or browse open roles in your sector today.
