UK : Is Daycare compulsory post maternity leave in tech jobs ?

Hello UK moms My friend is in tech ( remote ) in UK London and is told by her employer that she must have her child enrolled in daycare if she wants to join back. The baby is only 6 months old so my friend wanted the baby to be taken care of at home as her mom and husband were pitching in and she is working remotely. Has anyone experienced similar situation in UK ? Any suggestions? Thanks 😊
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I think a lot of companies won't allow you to be caring for a child while working, it's an insurance thing. So I guess they are assuming even if someone else is being the caregiver, if you are in the house you might be doing some too.

But what happens about the breastfeeding situation if 6 month old baby is required to be sent to daycare ? I was thinking this cannot be compulsory considering the babies age and fear of catching diseases especially when there are other caregivers at home. Given the financial strain and good support system … my friend really wanted to join back. Is there a way around this situation?

I think companies don't usually allow you to look after the baby while working, but if someone else is looking after him I don't see why not. I know a couple of friends colleagues who work from home while their babies are being taken care by family/nannies. If she wants to breastfeed the baby while working she might have to arrange that with her work as it means she might not be available all the time during her working hours (maybe that's their concern?)?

You can’t be the main care giver and work remotely, but if someone else is home who is not working at all, they can look after them, or they could go to a grand parents house. But if you and your partner are both working from home, neither of can look after the baby. In terms of breastfeeding, you would need to express as you would only be available on your normal breaks unless something else has been agreed in advance with your employer.

@María legally they have to give you time to breastfeed if needed.

@Emmo I’m pretty sure they only have to give breastfeeding mothers time/ suitable space to express but not actually feed x

Hmm got it ! Thanks a lot for responding! The challenge is that the company is not agreeing even if a grandparent is at home or a nanny is hired at home .. they want that the child must be enrolled in a daycare ..

@Swati well that isn’t legal. They can’t do that if your friend is based in the UK

Yes she is based out in UK and the company is tech company

Thanks @Mish

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