Launch of Return to Work Survey

Released on 25/09/2008

NATIONAL SURVEY OF WOMEN WHO RETURN TO WORK LAUNCHED 

Have you returned to work from maternity leave in the last 12 months? Were you excited about getting back to a routine or worried about workload? Was your employer supportive or difficult?  

HR consultant and researcher, Liz Morris, and the NCT, the UK’s leading charity for parents, are embarking on a UK wide survey to gather the experiences of women who have returned to work following maternity leave.  

A woman’s return to the workplace after having children can be a mixture of emotions - happy, exciting, stressful and worrying. Research has shown that employers with the best maternity policies enjoy a greater return-to-work ratio and how a woman feels and how long she stays in the job often depends on how her employer supports her return. 

The survey results will capture women’s experiences on returning from maternity leave, or adoption leave. Research gathered will aid understanding in how best to support mothers who return to work. Further results will be used to develop special toolkits, with support from Working Families, both to help women prepare for their return and companies to manage a smooth reintegration to the workplace. 

To take part in the survey visit: www.mumsgoingbacktowork.com  - available until 30^th November. Mums taking part will get a 10% discount on baby and toddler toys, clothes and equipment at NCT shop plus entry to £200 prize draw. 

Women make up 46 percent of the labour force, and by 2010 one in five UK workers will be mothers. Around 400,000 women take maternity leave each year. Within nine months, 65 percent of women have returned to work, with 21 percent moving to a different employer. After 17 months, 80 percent of women are back at work. In the UK, 30,000 leave their jobs each year due to pregnancy discrimination. 

Liz Morris, researcher, says; “The demands of caring for a child can be radically different to the demands of the workplace. Women often face realistic anxieties about juggling their new family and their work commitments.” 

“Research shows companies who adopt a positive and constructive approach to a woman’s return achieve a smooth transition and a happier and more productive outcome for all those concerned, including work colleagues who also have to re-adjust.”

“We believe the results of this survey will greatly benefit parents and employers. Although, the Government has introduced incentives to encourage mothers back to work, there is a lack of guidance or support for both women and their employers.” 

There can be advantages for companies who welcome back and retain their women returners. They may be rewarded by greater productivity, better staff morale and loyalty. They may also save money on the recruitment and training of new staff. According to the former DTI, nationally, this equates to around a £13.2 million savings.  

By 2010, men could be legally entitled to share up to 26 weeks of parental leave. This will increase the number taking parental leave to 800,000 each year.  

Earlier this year, the NCT launched its Preparing for Parenthood scheme. The scheme enables employers to show they support their employees by purchasing packs to give to staff as part of their maternity benefits policy. Packs contain a range of NCT services, classes and information.  

The NCT is the UK’s leading charity on pregnancy, birth and early parenthood – we’re with parents all the way from bump to baby. Each year we support over 100,000 parents through an incredible life changing experience, offering information and practical and emotional support through 300 UK-wide branch networks and we campaign for better maternity care. 

ENDS

 For more information contact Liz Morris on 07896 124862 or morisea@aston.ac.uk Or NCT Press Office on 020 8752 2404 or email press@nct.org.uk Out of hours please call 07722 839 428.

The NCT has ISDN line.  For details on the NCT Preparing for Parenthood scheme contact:  commercial@nct.org.uk

Notes to Editors

 1. The NCT (formerly know as the National Childbirth Trust) is the UK’s leading charity on pregnancy, birth and early parenthood. Every year the charity supports thousands of parents through an incredible life-changing experience, offering relevant information and mutual support through our network of over 300 local branches, UK wide helplines, antenatal and early days courses, breastfeeding counselling and peer support schemes. 

Operating for over 50 years, the NCT is recognised as the voice of pregnant women and new parents throughout the UK. The charity works for improvements to maternity care and better services and facilities for new parents. We are viewed by many as independent experts in matters relating to pregnancy, birth and early parenthood and are an influential and trusted advisor to UK governments, royal colleges, private sector bodies and other charities.

For more information visit www.nct.org.uk or call NCT Enquiries line at 0300 33 00 770. 

2. Working Families is the UK’s leading work-life balance campaign organisation. It supports and gives a voice to working parents and carers, whilst also helping employers create workplaces which encourage work-life balance for everyone. For more information visit www.workingfamilies.org.uk

Contact

Press Office
Email: press@nct.org.uk
Website: www.nct.org.uk
Telephone: 0208 752 2404 [Out of hours press phone 07722839428]