Keeping in touch days are another important part of maternity leave. These ten days have so much to offer. There are financial benefits as well as benefits to easing yourself back into work.
What are keeping in touch days?
Keeping in touch days are commonly called KIT days. These days are the chance to come into work to catch up on training, team meetings, and everything else in between!
So what can you expect to do on a KIT day? Well, you can only be asked to undertake duties you would normally do as part of your employment contract.
KIT days need to be taken within the official maternity leave period. Unfortunately, you can’t take them once maternity leave is officially over.
How many do I get?
You can take up to ten keeping in touch days. You don’t need to work for the whole day. If you work more than ten days it means your maternity leave is officially over and you are considered as returned to work. Your maternity pay will also end.
It’s important to remember that you can’t take partial KIT days. An hour of work counts as a KIT day and comes off the balance of days you have remaining.
Do I have to take them?
KIT days are not compulsory. Both you and your employer need to agree that you will take some KIT days. They can’t force you to come in and you can’t insist on taking them.
Will I get paid for keeping in touch days?
You should be paid at least the national minimum wage for the time that you work. Always agree upfront what you will be paid before you commit to a KIT day.
KIT days are paid as part of the regular payroll cycle. If you are paid monthly for example, you should receive your payment on the next pay day. There is no requirement to wait until the end of maternity leave (unlike bank holidays and annual leave).
What are the benefits of keeping in touch days?
Besides having a coffee in peace, KIT days have lots of benefits:
- ease yourself back into work,
- chance to check in with what is happening at work including team or project updates,
- it’s a chance to try out part-time working before you commit to any changes in hours,
- attend any training or conferences, and
- actually GET PAID!
That’s right you get paid for your keeping in touch days! That’s a potential ten days of pay on the table that you can take advantage of without compromising your maternity leave or pay.
Are KIT days extra maternity leave?
It’s important to remember that KIT days are not extra maternity leave. They have to be taken within the official 52 week period of maternity leave. However, you can consider these days as an opportunity to earn some extra money during maternity leave. At a time when your bank account is probably crying out for some attention, it’s worth considering these days as an opportunity in your maternity leave budget.
KIT days are just one of the many important maternity leave topics covered in my new book, The Mum’s Guide to Money. Order your copy today from Amazon.
