Maternity Leave

[jackoli]

Can anyone help please. I am on maternity leave and before i left my boss agreed for me to go back part time. I even put it in writing but did not receive a response from him. However recently he has told me that there is now no part time work available due to the credit crunch. Can i now change my mind and go back to my full time job? He says i cant and the girl will stay in my job and i will have to look for another job

[trixymalixy]

He can't do that. he has to offer you your old job back if you have been off for 6 months or one at an equivalent level if longer i think.

Someone who knows for definite will be along soon.

[ChukkyPig]

If you are saying you will go back to your old job at the old hours he has no grounds to let you go.

Sounds very dodgy to me.

You need someone who knows the law better than me to give you the details wording though...

[crankycrane]

try the ACAS site

sorry I cant do links

[PortofinoPumpkin]

No - I'm pretty sure you have to have your original job back after six months. If you choose to take longer then they don't have to hold your exact job but have to offer an equivilent one.

[jackoli]

thanks guys i will get some legal advice tomorrow - has really upset me as i have been working for the company for 10 years - theres no loyalty anymore!!!!

[ChukkyPig]

I had a shitty time with my (ex) employer too.

Find out what your rights are and good luck xx

[crankycrane]

be sure not to let him get away with anything

[flowerybeanbag]

You have a right to return to your old job (or an equivalent one after AML) on the same terms and conditions unless and until you either resign, you request flexible working and the arrangement is formally agreed or there is a redundancy situation.

Even if a part time arrangement is formally agreed, it then becomes a permanent change to your terms and conditions and your boss can't just say the work is no longer available.

If by reason of redundancy there is now only one full time position available, it must be offered to you, not to the person temporarily covering your post during your maternity leave. It's your job, not hers.