Career breaks in the NHS - HR bod needed!!!

[mogwai]

Ok here's the problem

I'm employed by a PCT for 3 days a week. They actually fund me for 1.5 days and the other 1.5 days funding comes from another source (from the strategic health authority) but my contract is with the PCT.

I've applied for a career break and I think it's going to be refused. The reason for the break is to accompany my husband abroad for 12 months (NHS doctor going to work in Sydney). I also plan to get some relevant training while I'm there.

I had maternity leave from June 2005 until January 2006 (so 6 months) and returned as planned.

The manager I have in the strategic health authority is happy for me to have the career break and will cover my job herself at no extra cost to the PCT.

My line manager in the NHS is looking to cut costs and wants to resign me and employ someone cheaper (without the right skills). She has also said, off the record, that one of the problems is that I've had a maternity leave within the last 12 months. I know for a fact that she isn't able to use this an an excuse but I don't have it in writing from her.

When I return from Australia, the 1.5 days a week funded by the SHA will still be mine so I'll definitely be returning to the department.

Where do I stand? If it's refused, who do I complain to, and where does the parliamentary and health service ombudsman come in?

[mogwai]

bumping this

[moomooland]

Hi mogwai

I'm NHS employed too (in Northern Ireland)and on a career break - rules are spelled out under Agenda for Change, think this applies to all of Uk. I don't know all the technicalities but you are entitled to apply for up to five years and this can be for a number of set reasons including children and education/training. I had only returned from maternity leave less than a year when this break started.

Just wanted to wish you all the best

[themoon666]

I'm pretty sure all the rules according to new Agenda for Change are downloadable from the DoH website.

I've been job matching and evaluating for 18 months now and every time we have a query, we use the DoH website.

[themoon666]

Another thought..... your Regional Unison Office will be able to help, i'm sure.

[mogwai]

thanks for replying, I'll have a look at that

Hope the agenda for change thing has worked out for you - did pretty well out of it in our department