How much time maternity leave lasts in the UK?

I'm due to return to work after maternity leave, i want to go back part time instead of full time?

• i live in the uk and am worried about asking work if i can go back part time instead of full, my managers can be really difficult and have been trying to get rid of me for years, (i'm the only woman at work and am working as an electrician) is there any laws to protect me or to help me in returning part time or is it totally up to my mangers. any info would be much appreciated thanks xx

• Answer:

  Hi, you can request flexible working, and they HAVE to consider it (as in really consider it, rather than looking at it once and making their mind up straight away!). Before you make your request - think about the positives and negatives of your request. What good would it do your employers? What negatives will they come up with, that you can deflect or suggest ways around? Put a case together (i.e. write quite a long letter!) when you make your request, rather than just asking the question - if they do say no, they should give you the reasons why not, in writing. Go to the Citizens Advice Bureau and they can help you write the request and then deal with the answer. If you feel discriminated against, just because you requested part time, then raise this again with CAB and they can advise on the next steps. It doesn't ease the worry, but at least you have backup from the CAB.