Apply for permanent role?

[WFHWF]

Name changed. I’ve been on a maternity cover contract for the last few months, WFH entirely during that time for obvious reasons. The person on maternity leave is returning shortly, however someone else in the team is leaving and my work are now hiring for a permanent position doing my exact role, but want to pay significantly less than what I’m currently on. They let me know beforehand. I am quite keen to apply and have told them so, but should I take the fact that they haven’t offered it to me outright as a cue that I have performed badly and that I shouldn’t apply? I feel under normal circumstances that I would have performed better, but not being in the office has been challenging and the last year has been extremely difficult in a new role. Should I apply or take it that they don’t want me to?

[LouiseTrees]

You should apply. It’s more likely they don’t want to offer it to you because it’s more legally challengable if they impose a pay cut than if you apply for one.

[Aprilx]

Isn’t this a different role? The person you are covering maternity leave for is returning and it is somebody else that is leaving, so not your role? I’m confused.