Restructuring just before ML - annual leave

[FlossyLil]

Hi guys,

Where I work is currently going through restructuring, and this should be complete just before I go on maternity leave, or just after. The number of jobs is reducing and changing, so I have to re-apply for a new job within the same grade.

I definitely want to reduce my hours on my return from maternity leave, as I am currently full-time. As they are quite happy for people to reduce hours as part of the restructure it's been suggested (informally) I apply requesting the hours I would want on my return i.e. reduced hours. My new contract would then start as I go/or whilst on maternity leave with these reduced hours. I feel morally I should do this, as I don't want to take a full-time post, therefore putting someone else out of work who could of job shared, only to then request reduced hours on my return.

My maternity pay will be covered, as this will be calculated from when I'm on full-time hours, but can anyone tell me if they've any idea how it will affect my annual leave accrual whilst on maternity leave? Will I only be accruing at the reduced hours rate as the new reduced hours contract's already kicked in, or will I be entitled to accrue it for the hours I'm receiving maternity leave on i.e. full time hours??

[dlwelly]

You'd probably be accruing on your reduced hours, as if your contract is starting from now then it would be as if you're there for the next few months.

[flowery]

You will accrue holiday as if you were at work. If your contract amendment dates from before you go on mat leave then you'll accrue it at that rate.

You could always ask for the contract amendment to be dated effective from the date you intend to return to work? They may not do it but you could ask the question.

[ACSlater]

I also wouldn't assume the new hours would be approved afterwards. Particularly if they've made redundancies. Business need may not allow less hours if they're already on minimal staff.

[mishmash5]

I agree with flowery, if your new contract starts before mat leave then you will accure holiays as if at work on your reduced holidays

[FlossyLil]

Thanks for your feedback guys, thought that would probably be the case.