Going back to work after having a baby
Get financial help with childcare and other costs when you're back in work, and find out about the rules around returning to work and breaks for breastfeeding.
If you’ve been affected, Work and Income may be able to help: COVID-19 — Work and Income
Employment NZ has guidance on work-related issues: Coronavirus (COVID-19) and the workplace
Before returning to work
You have to give 21 days notice in writing to your employer:
- before you return to work — even if you’re returning on your agreed start date
- if you decide to return to work early.
The Employment NZ website has guidance to help employees and their employers prepare their return to work.
Returning to work when your parental leave ends
Workplace facilities and arrangements
Breastfeeding
Your employer needs to provide a place for you to breastfeed or express milk. Check your workplace policy for whether these breaks are paid or unpaid.
Breaks and facilities for breastfeeding
Flexible working
You can ask your employer to consider changes to your work arrangements such as hours, days or place of work.
Resolve a problem with work or a redundancy
Employment NZ has guidance on how to sort out problems with parental leave requests or redundancy.
Financial help
Use the SmartStart website’s online financial help checker to find out what you may be eligible for from Inland Revenue and Work and Income.
The Work and Income website has more information about help with the costs of having a baby, such as car seat and breast pump hire, and childcare.
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