Keeping in Touch Days: Frequently Asked Questions

Q. Can my Line Manager ask me to come into work? If so, do I have to agree?

A. The University, as an employer, is allowed to make reasonable contact with an employee whilst they are on maternity/adoption leave. You are not obliged to do any work or attend any work related events during maternity/adoption leave however if you and your line manager both agree, then you can work up to a total of 10 days during your leave.

Q. Do I have to agree in advance my intention to come to work for a Keeping in Touch Day?

A. Yes, you and your line manager should agree in advance when you are going to attend work for one of your Keeping in Touch Days to allow both parties to make any necessary arrangements.

Q. If I attend work for half a day or less is this classed as one of my Keeping in Touch Days?

A. Yes, as soon as you enter work, even if it’s for only a few hours, this is counted as one of your 10 KIT days allowed. The number of hours that you attend work can be up to the maximum of the full time equivalent (7.2 per day for a full-time employee). However, you will only get paid for the hours you work.

Q. Will I be placed at a disadvantage on my return if I don’t come into work prior to the end of my maternity/adoption leave?

A. Staff are encouraged to make use of KIT days as a positive way to keep in contact with developments in their workplace. As work during maternity/adoption leave may only take place with the agreement of both parties, you will not be at any disadvantage regarding the options you choose. If the employee is unable or declines the opportunity to work any KIT days then they will do so without suffering any detriment.

Q. What type of work will I be expected to undertake whilst in work on a Keeping in Touch Day?

A. You will be expected to undertake any work duties normally performed under the contract of employment. The purpose of these days is to allow you to be kept informed and up to date on developments within your own workplace or within the University. This may include attending a conference, undertaking training or a team event.

Q. I have been asked to be an external examiner for another University, can I use a Keeping in Touch Day to undertake this work?

A. No, because this is paid work for another employer and therefore will affect your maternity pay arrangements.

Q. I am the line manager of somebody who wishes to make use of their KIT days, what do I need to do?

A. You should mutually agree any dates in advance. When any block of KIT days have been completed, fill out the Keeping in Touch Days Completion Form (.doc) with the employee. When the form is complete, forward it to the Personnel Section who will record the details and inform payroll to make sure the relevant payment is made to the employee.

Full Keeping in Touch (KIT) Day Information is also available from the Personnel Office on request.

Personnel Section
January 2009