Mortgage after maternity leave

smc103

I hope someone will be able to help. Me and my husband are hoping to get a mortgage within the next few months. I have been on maternity leave with furlough pay since May. I have my return to work interview this week and I'm torn between what to do. I am currently on a 45 hour contract as an assistant manager. We have no family to help with childcare so we would have to put our baby in nursery for 3 days a week. Universal credit will cover most of the costs. If I return to work for only 3 days I would need less childcare and would in theory have the same take home pay.

My question is will mortgage applications take into account my full salary or just my take home pay after childcare is paid for? Is universal credit classed as additional income? 

I don't want to make the wrong decision about returning to work if it ruins our chances of getting a mortgage. Would it be better for me to go back full time just until we get a mortgage?

Any help would be much appreciated. Thanks.