RETURNING TO WORK AFTER MATERNITY LEAVE

Meet our Transactional Temps and Interim Specialists

Why is it that so many people and businesses in Yorkshire trust and rely on Sharp Consultancy to support their temporary and interim financial recruitment strategies? Sharp Consultancy is Yorkshire’s largest, most experienced and best-connected independent company committed exclusively to financial recruitment. We’re the true specialists. Unlike so many other firms, financial recruitment is all we do - so we’re probably the most focused and knowledgeable company in the region. And in Yorkshire, no other specialist Temporary and Interim Finance Recruitment team enjoy as many years of combined finance sector experience. Therefore, both our Transactional Temps and Interim Specialists divisions are the most knowledgeable in the region. Karen PitchforthKaren Pitchforth has over two decades of recruitment experience, dedicating more than half of that to Sharp Consultancy and is pivotal to our Interim Specialist division. Dedicated to South Yorkshire businesses, Karen has a vast network of part-qualified, fully qualified, or qualified by experience interim finance specialists in the region.Karen's Company ProfileKaren's LinkedIn ProfileColin MolyneuxColin Molyneux’s career spans almost 25 years and now in his second stint with Sharp Consultancy has been a key component in our Interim Specialist division. His expert focus on sourcing and placing Qualified Interim professionals across West Yorkshire and has a concrete commitment: whether it’s days or hours, he’ll meet your deadlines. Colin's Company ProfileColin's LinkedIn ProfileStuart DouglassStuart Douglass has been an integral part of our Interim Specialist division since 2016, building on a career spanning over 25 years. He focuses exclusively on senior interim roles within West and North Yorkshire and covers Part Qualified, Qualified by Experience and Qualified requirements. His deep understanding of the finance market means he is a trusted advisor to many clients. Stuart's Company ProfileStuart's LinkedIn ProfileDeanna CrosbyDeanna Crosby has established herself as a leading Transactional Temps expert in South Yorkshire. She focuses predominantly on the Barnsley, Doncaster, and Rotherham areas supplying variety of Transactional Temps including, Finance/Accounts Assistants, Credit Controllers, Sales and Purchase Ledger Clerks and Payroll. Dee provides a rapid response to meet her clients’ needs. Deanna's Company Profile Deanna's LinkedIn ProfileLiam O'FlahertyLiam O'Flaherty has over 20 years of finance recruitment experience. Now in his fifth year with us, Liam specialises in Transactional Temp recruitment throughout West Yorkshire. His deep understanding of the local market, combined with his consultative approach, ensures that both clients and candidates receive unparalleled service and support. Liam's Company ProfileLiam's LinkedIn ProfileTom TurnerTom Turner is now in his sixth year in recruitment, and entering his 3rd year with Sharp Consultancy, where he has quickly established himself as the go-to transactional temp specialist in the Sheffield market. Covering all aspects of transactional finance, Tom is the person to find the right fit when it comes to temp Finance Assistants, Accounts Payable Clerks, Accounts Receivable staff and payrollers. With shrewd judgement, he makes precise recommendations.Tom's Company Profile Tom's LinkedIn ProfileSo, with circa 100 years of combined Transactional Temps and Interim Specialist recruitment experience, and more than a third of that within Sharp Consultancy itself, the real question is not why is it that so many people and businesses in Yorkshire trust and rely on Sharp Consultancy to support their temporary and interim financial recruitment strategies? But more why would you choose to go anywhere else? Our aim is to earn your trust by providing a superior experience. To discuss how Sharp Consultancy assist you and your business speak to one of these leading experts in their field on 0113 236 6300 or 0114 261 1700.

Read article

Returning to work after maternity leave can be a huge adjustment what with juggling work and home life, making childcare arrangements and getting to grips with being back in the work place. We offer some of our top tips and suggestions on how you can make your return to work as smooth as possible.

No matter whether you are itching to return to work or the thought of leaving your precious child fills you with dread, it will take time to adjust to working life again – the key is to plan and prepare and accept that this is a big change for everyone, and things might not fall into place straight away.

Your rights on returning to work

If you are returning to work after 26 weeks or less you are entitled to return to exactly the same job as you were doing before the start of your leave. If you have taken additional maternity leave and are returning after more than 26 weeks, you still have the right to return to the same job on the same terms, however if this is not possible because there have been significant changes to your workplace, your employer can offer you a suitable alternative job.

This role must have at least the same terms and conditions as your previous position including pay, benefits, holiday entitlement, level of seniority and place of work.

What is considered ‘good business reasons’?

Your employer many have made significant changes in the organisation whilst you have been away which may have affected the roles and responsibilities for you and your colleagues. Your employer cannot however, keep your maternity cover in place in your role and offer you an alternative role - there must be a good reason why you cannot return to your old job.

Can I request changes to my working hours when I return from maternity leave?

All employees are entitled to request changes to their hours of work, days or work or place of work provided they have been with the company for at least 26 weeks. After returning from maternity leave you may wish to consider working part-time, term-time only, working from home, job share (or a combination of more than one of these options).

It is important to remember that you have the right to request flexible working however this does not mean that you have a right to work flexibly; your employer has to consider your request properly, but it can be refused for business reasons such as additional costs, being unable to rearrange workloads between existing colleagues or a detrimental impact on customer demands or performance.

For more information see:

https://maternityaction.org.uk/

https://www.acas.org.uk/your-maternity-leave-pay-and-other-rights

https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/work/rights-at-work/parental-rights/maternity-leave-your-options-when-it-ends/

Tips on returning to work after maternity leave

If you want to keep your hand in, consider Keeping In Touch days (KIT) whilst you are on maternity leave. You can work up to 10 days during your maternity leave however these need to be agreed with your employer as neither party can insist on them being taken
A phased return may help you return to work in the first few months – you could use some of your annual leave to work a shorter week for the first month or reduce your hours on a temporary basis.
Calendar regular reviews with your line manager. Make sure you catch up on a weekly basis during the first few weeks so you can identify what is or isn’t working well and discuss potential solutions – this is particularly important if you have had a flexible working request approved and you and your team are adjusting to the new arrangements.
Ask for help. It is very easy for those you work with to assume everything is OK if you don’t say anything.

Sharp Consultancy specialises in the recruitment of temporary, interim and permanent finance and accountancy professionals. With offices in Leeds and Sheffield our highly experienced team of consultants recruit for positions throughout Yorkshire and beyond. CONTACT US today for expert advice on your next career move.