Returning to work after ML being made difficult

[LadyPC]

Hi

I'm new to mumsnet so apologies if I mess this up a bit.

I am due to return to work in 2 weeks after 8 months off after having my little boy L. During maternity leave I have done some Keep In Touch days and have had contact with both my bosses and some of the staff - we are a small business (15 employees).

2 weeks ago my boss asked me to go in and drop some stuff off which I did. Whilst there he told me he did not think my KIT days were working and did not want me to do my next 2 scheduled ones. Can he do this? I felt they had been really useful to myself and the staff (I am in a management position). PLus the money would have been useful.

Now they are making it difficult for me to return. I was full time but want to work 3 days a week (8.30-5.30 with 30 mins lunch. While I was off they have employed someone in a new role and she has appeared to have charmed them and has been increasingly doing more and more of my role. Her temp 6 month contract is up but she is still there. Now I have ben told she is being taken on 5 days per week to be my assistant but the job description is defo in her favour - she has been given all the key responsibilities whilst I am left with the dregs.

I feel really annoyed as i have worked here for 4 years and have always been very loyal and hardworking. I need to go back for financial reasons but don't know who to turn to for advice. Please help.

Thanks in advance

[activate]

1. they don't have to give you 3 days they have to consider it
   
   
2. if you're management and she's your assistant then you should have say in her responsibilities
   
   
3. they obviously want a full time person taking on the responsibilities - does your job work part-time? If not you might have to consider going back full time
   
   
4. ask for a meeting and put your cards on the table

[annh]

Have you submitted a formal flexible working request or is this all hearsay as to what they might or might not do?

[flowerybeanbag]

If you're due back in 2 weeks have you already requested your reduced hours and had them agreed, or is that still ongoing? It's not clear how they are making it difficult for you to return really, unless they are dragging their feet on a flexible working request or something, is that the case?

KIT days are mutually agreed and neither party can insist they go ahead or don't go ahead, so that's fine.

If you want to reduce your hours it seems reasonable to take someone else on taking part of your responsibilities, the question is which you keep and which she has. Which of your responsibilities she does while you are on maternity leave isn't really your concern - someone has to do it after all - your concern is what happens to the job when you return.

When you requested your 3 days did you put together something outlining how you think it could work and which responsibilities you could keep and which would work best done by this other person?

[havinganightin]

Hi

I returned to work after 9 months ml - part time (2 days a week). I was not able to do my previous job (also managerial) which required me to be there full time. Someone else therefore does that while I had to go back to an administration job. It is crap but at least I get pro-rata what I used to for doing a menial job.

I hate it but remind myself the alternative is returning full time and not spending the time with my baby!

It is not a right to get your old job back when you return part time.