Returning to the same role after career break - what pay to expect?

[MILdesperandum]

I'm thinking of applying for a my old job (I was made redundant 5 years ago in a major re-structuring and was pregnant at the time so I've taken a career break). The same company is now recruiting the same role that I was made redundant from and I wondered, if I was successful could I/should I expect to be taken on at the same grade/pay level I held when I left?

Thanks!

[LadyLapsang]

As a new recruit you could end up on the bottom of the scale on worse terms and conditions. You need to be prepared to negotiate. Have you worked or otherwise kept up to date in the last five years?

[Maursh]

I think that you should expect to go back at the same pay, unless salaries have fallen, it is the same job with same responsibilities and technical know how.

A word of caution: I went back to work after two years at 25% lower pay - different job, different company. I have now taken five years out and find the new benchmark is the latest job, so a further fall in salary, not that i am back at work yet, but told by agents to expect 50% of my peak earnings.