Back-to-work support

Whether you're returning to work following maternity, parental or carers’ leave, redundancy, sickness or a voluntary career break, it can take time to adjust back to working after a prolonged period of absence. We've put together resources to make the transition back to work easier and less stressful, from research, guides, podcasts and tools to employment law information, financial assistance and articles.

Select from the sections below to access the relevant resources:

Taking a parenting career break

We've put together a range of resources for those who've taken a career break to look after children or other dependents.

Research and discussion:

Read our report on Creating an enabling future for carers in the workplace
View the Labour Market Outlook survey focusing on working parents
Listen to our podcast discussing the take-up of Shared Parental Leave

Know your rights:

Maternity, Paternity and Adoption rights - Factsheet
Maternity, paternity, shared parental and adoption leave and pay legal Q&As
Training course: Maternity and Family Leave: Rights and the Law

CIPD members also have access to our Employment Law Helpline, providing advice on maternity and parental leave policies, and issues around discrimination and redundancy.

Financial assistance:

If you're a CIPD member on a career break or maternity leave you're eligible for reduced membership rates. Find out more about the financial assistance available and join the Career bridge register.

Feeling supported

The CIPD can support you during your career break and help you get back to work. We offer a reduced membership fee to members in specific circumstances so you can continue to access our member benefits and services - see the Financial assistance page.

Know your legal rights:

Use our Employment law helpline if you feel you've been wrongfully, unfairly dismissed, or faced discrimination or bullying in the workplace.

Build and maintain a community:

CIPD Community
CIPD Branches
CIPD social channels: LinkedIn, Twitter and Facebook

Keep your job skills up to date and keep an eye on the job boards:

Take a CIPD short course
View available positions on PM Jobs board

Back to work support:

The back-to-work programme is free for members who have been out of work (unemployed) and actively seeking work for at least six months.

Using the Career hub

The Career hub has plenty of resources to support you on a career break. If you're a CIPD member, log in to access the Career hub portal

Returning to work

If you've taken a career break for whatever reason, here are some resources to help you return to work when the time's right.

How to manage a career break: five top tips to maintain your employability and return to work with confidence
Podcast: Pathways back to work: HR's role
Guide: Return-to-work support after long-term sickness
Article: Corporate volunteering - giving back and gaining new talent
Advice on becoming a volunteer for the CIPD and other organisations
Case studies: members share their experiences and top tips for successfully returning to work.

Maintaining well-being at work

Focus on managing your well-being as you adjust back to work. Access our research, practical resources, discussions and training on managing health and well-being at work.

Research and discussions: