Working Mums Event – Cheshire. 13.06.25

Working Mums: Rights, Rules and the Realities of Work – Live ✨

Here are the Essential Takeaways from our Walking Mums community-led event at Bents Garden & Home

At Walking Mums, we don’t just walk, we share knowledge, ask big questions, and support each other through the challenging journey of motherhood. Through our walks, meet-ups, WhatsApp groups, and now speaker events, our community shows up for one another – sharing insights, support, and expert knowledge.

One of the most powerful ways this happens is through our community-led events, which are often sparked by real-time conversations within our Walking Mums WhatsApp groups. This event was no exception.

When mums began discussing everything from maternity pay to flexible working and the confusing maze of “free” childcare, it became clear: we needed definite answers and we needed each other.

That’s how our Working Mums: Rights, Rules & Realities event was born, an informal but information-packed session, created by mums, for mums, and generously hosted by the brilliant team at Bents Garden & Home.

“I left the event feeling informed and empowered — like someone had finally explained it all properly.”

Amy, Walking Mum

💡 The Highlights – 8 Things Every Working Mum in the UK Should Know

1. Flexible Working from Day One

Since April 2024, you can submit two flexible working requests per year, starting from your first day in a job. Employers have two months to reply, so begin conversations early. These requests are best approached from a win win perspective, what is best for both you and your employer? And make sure everything done in this area is documented in writing, conversations and agreements between you and management are not enough.
🔗 ACAS: Flexible Working Advice

2. Your Rights Continue During Maternity Leave

You’re still entitled to holiday (including bank holidays – this was a new one on many of us!), pay rises, bonuses, and employer pension contributions based on your full salary.
🔗 Working Families: Maternity Rights

3. Don’t Miss the Alabaster Rule

If you’re awarded a pay rise anytime between 25 weeks pregnant and the end of your maternity leave, your SMP must be recalculated.
🔗 Understand the Alabaster Ruling

4. Unpaid Parental Leave Exists

Each parent can take up to 18 weeks of unpaid leave per child, up to their 18th birthday. You can use up to 4 weeks per year — ideal for school holidays or transitions.
🔗 GOV.UK: Parental Leave

5. Free Childcare Comes With Conditions

From September 2025, children over 9 months may qualify for 30 hours/week term-time care — but eligibility depends on income, return-to-work dates, and more.
🔗 Check Your Entitlement

6. Tax-Free Childcare + Universal Credit Can Help

You may be eligible for up to £2,000/year tax relief or 85% childcare support via Universal Credit — even if you’re just returning to work.
🔗 Explore Your Options

7. Earning Over £100k? Don’t Miss These Strategies

High earners (over £100,000 Adjusted Net Income – ANI) risk losing access to tax-free childcare, free hours, and child benefit. One of the most efficient ways to remain eligible is to salary sacrifice into a pension, which can reduce your ANI below key thresholds.
🔗 Husky Finance: Managing the £100k Childcare Cliff

8. Claiming Child Benefit Matters – Even If You Don’t Need the Money

Even if you’re not receiving payments due to income, it’s important to register for child benefit to ensure:

• • You build up National Insurance credits (towards your state pension)

• • Your child is automatically issued a National Insurance number at age 16
    🔗 How to Avoid the Child Benefit Tax Charge

9. As a parent you can get £15,000 FREE life cover from
Aviva for 12 months?

It is completely free and can be taken anytime between your little one being born and the age of 4 and both parents are eligible! You can sign up here 👉 Free Life Cover