The ability to work while on maternity leave depends on various factors, including your employment contract, the company's policies, and the specific terms of your maternity leave arrangement. In Australia, maternity leave is typically governed by the Fair Work Act 2009 and is designed to provide mothers with time off to recover from childbirth and to care for their newborns.
Here are some general points to consider:
Paid maternity leave
Some employers provide paid maternity leave as part of their employment benefits. During this period, you may receive a portion of your regular salary. If your employer offers paid maternity leave, you may be subject to certain conditions regarding work during this period.
Unpaid maternity leave
If you're taking unpaid maternity leave, you may have more flexibility in terms of working during this time. However, it's essential to check your employment contract and the Fair Work Act for any specific restrictions or conditions.
Keeping in touch days
In Australia, the Fair Work Act allows for "keeping in touch" (KIT) days during unpaid parental leave. These are days when you can perform work for your employer without losing your entitlement to unpaid parental leave. However, the use of KIT days must be by agreement between you and your employer, and any work performed on these days should be paid at your usual rate.
Other considerations
It's crucial to communicate with your employer about your intentions to work during maternity leave and seek their approval. Your employer may have policies in place to manage this situation, and it's in your best interest to adhere to any established procedures.
To get accurate and up-to-date information tailored to your specific situation, you should consult your employment contract, your company's policies, and the Fair Work Act. Additionally, you may want to seek advice from your HR department or a legal professional familiar with Australian employment laws.
To learn more about your maternity leave entitlements, click the button below to read our article on whether you can start a new job while on maternity leave.
Are you looking for a job?
Now that you know whether you can work while on maternity leave, you should take a moment to check our current vacancies page.
At 11 Recruitment, we have a range of white-collar temp and perm jobs available. We're always on the lookout for top talent to place with our clients, so we encourage you to apply for any positions that are of interest.
If none of our current vacancies are right for you, you should register for job alerts. Then we’ll be able to notify you when we receive a position that matches your profile.
