boss asking when am i coming back after leave

[chocbiscuits]

Went off on maternity leave as early as I could and took all my remaining annual leave before it as they had somewhat controversially changed my flexible working conditions.
While I was pg I had to go to lots of very stressful meetings about my flexible working, ended up signing something with the head of HR which included agreements on annual leave as well - I really felt treated like some sort of criminal. I got nasty abdominal pains which were quite scary and these went away as soon as I left on leave. One of my bosses kept going on and on about the flexible working even after it was all signed and agreed with the head of HR, he also had a report from the occupational health nurse based on my GP recommendations, my GP had consulted a colleague, an obstetrician and a midwife. He still went on about it. I felt really bullied and I feel he endangered my babys life.

Now 6 months later, my baby is 10 weeks old, the other boss is asking me when I'll come back to work so he can sort it out with my maternity cover. If I don't go back I have to pay all my maternity package back (minus statutory). I am currently being paid statutory only.

Any suggestions whether I shouldsay anything or what would be appropriate?

[normansmum]

It does sound a bit like bullying doesn't it? I would be inclined to read through all contracts signed including the maternity leave policy. I would also want to know if the HR department had an anti bullying policy and equality and diversity policy. If you're a member of a union or professional organisation it would be worth contacting them for advice. And then think about saying something.

Hopefully someone who knows more will be along in a bit.

If you are in a position to give up work make sure you read the bit about how long you have to return to work before you can leave without paying mat leave back.

[flowerybeanbag]

Stating that you feel someone at work endangered your baby's life is a fairly serious accusation chocbiscuits. I know you've had a rough time but I just feel that's a bit strong.

In terms of returning from maternity leave, your employer should assume you will be returning after a year unless and until you notify them otherwise. However there's nothing wrong in them asking. I would just go back and say that at the moment you don't know and they should assume you will be taking the full year.

[HellieTaz]

I thought that you had to let your employer know how long you entended to have off before you finished and actually went on Mat Leave? Even if you did that you are still allowed to change your mind so long as you give the employer notice (I think its 2 months notice??), that would mean they wouldnt be hassling you now. It should have all been put in writing by the 26th week of your pregnancy. just check all your paperwork and I guess let them know so they can plan things for while you are away... as I say you can always bring your mat leave to an early finish so if you can afford to best to go for the max time off.

[waspriceyp]

Not 4 weeks, it's 8 now I believe. You tell your employer when you are intending to start maternity leave. They tell you when your maternity leave ends. If you intend to take the full 12 months and they know this then they already have the date the you will return to work. And will have confirmed this in writing to you.
If you do not intend to return you have to give 8 weeks notice.