Reason for leaving?

[HulaMammy]

Just looking for a bit of encouragement really!

I'd not long started working for a start-up company when I fell pregnant. My colleagues were great and supported me throughout my pregnancy. I honestly couldn't have worked in a nicer place, though I did sometimes feel like they were molly-coddling a little.

I hadn't been on maternity leave long when I was told that the business was in trouble and unlikely to see the next year. I was really worried, for my colleagues as well as myself. But time ticked by and it made it to the end of each month. I offered to work KIT days but was always turned down.

My leave went by so quickly. In its final weeks, my colleagues informed me that the business didn't have the money to take me back, not even on a part-time basis. There was no redundancy pay to be had as I'd not worked with them for over two years. I was advised that it was a case of either leave or be made redundant. So I left.

The business has since been in talks with liquidators, and I understand a new buyer might be interested.

Meanwhile, I'm trying to find a new job somewhere else. My confidence is pretty low. I've not properly worked for 13 months and I'm worried that I'm not as sharp as I used to be. I also worry about how life is going to change for my baby and I when I return to work - I don't like the thought of not sharing so much time with him. But it has to be done.

So far I've had two interviews, and I messed them both up. Fluffing my words and suffering from amnesia when trying to give examples of my achievements! But the question that I really stumble over is why I left my previous job - something every employer seems to ask?

I wasn't technically made redundant.
The business hasn't yet closed.
Do I mention that I haven't worked for so long, that I've been on maternity? Would that make an employer think that I left my role for childcare reasons that would impact my performance with them?

Has anyone else been in a similar position? I'd love to hear how it worked out?

[OliviaStabler]

Not been through similar but my gut instinct is to be honest. So you would say that while on maternity leave the company encountered financial difficulties which resulted in your role no longer existing when you went to return to work, so now you are seeking fresh opportunities and looking forward to a new challenge.

Try and keep it upbeat. I was made redundant but I actually phrase it that there was a reorganisation at my previous company and I decided to leave and pursue new opportunities. It isn't a lie but sounds better than 'I was made redundant' if you see what I mean?

Good luck.

[HulaMammy]

Thank you lovely xx

[OliviaBenson]

Erm, you need to take advice but I think what they have done is illegal. Try ACAS or maternity action. You have basically been let go because you were on maternity leave. You would have a case, even if you were there less than 2 years.

[BubblesBuddy]

Why did you just leave? Why did you take their word for it that they were folding? They haven’t and you have no job and no money. Are you now over the 2 years? If you are they got rid of you. However it’s going to be difficult to fight that battle now.

Just say you left because you believed the company was going into liquidation. If you say what really happened you are going to look a bit of a pushover. I don’t see how you can dress it up.

[HulaMammy]

Thank you for the advice.

Whilst on leave I did talk with each of my colleagues, all of whom had stopped taking a salary each month but were carrying on working to try and get the business going again. The business has now closed.

I also spoke to a solicitor independently but was advised that there was nothing that I could do other than take unpaid redundancy or leave. By leaving of my own accord I was entitled to holiday pay.