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Original poster

Mat leave and missed promotion

32 replies

Nosurpr1ses · 13/07/2024 08:31

I have worked for my employer (large privately owned organisation) 6 years. I’ve been waiting for a promotion for 1 year but these were all on hold due to financial position of the company. My manager has said I’m ready for promotion, scored highest marks on latest appraisal etc.

Just before I went on mat leave there was a rumour positions at the next level to me would be opening up soon. I explicitly gave my line manager my personal number and asked her to text when these came up so I could apply which she said she would do.

I had to access my work email yesterday to get some gift vouchers that they had sent for new DC’s arrival. I saw that 10 days ago an email was sent to the department with the internal vacancies, one is for the more senior position not just within my department but within my actual small team of 6!! I know my manager is working as I saw her last week when I met some work friends for lunch. Not a single person mentioned it to me then either.

I’m really angry that no one has mentioned this to me as I might have missed the boat to apply. Were they obligated to do this? And how would you word an email to them and the department lead asking why I didn’t get told?

OP posts:
SquishyGloopyBum · 13/07/2024 08:55

Just apply asap, say it's late as you had only just been made aware of the position as you are on maternity leave.

Don't ask, don't make a fuss, just get your application in.

ricecrispiecakes · 13/07/2024 08:52

My experience is the same as @Pippa12 - people are expected to keep an eye on websites etc. if they want to apply for promotions though it will also be mentioned in company newsletters.

I don't think it's really appropriate to ask your boss to message you personally.

tamade · 13/07/2024 08:51

Would HR be happy about a manager telling an employee that a job was open and to apply? It could come across as a “nod and a wink” type situation, which could cause difficulties for everyone whatever the outcome

Pippa12 · 13/07/2024 08:44

Are the vacancies advertised externally?

In my line of work we do highlight at appraisal that people are ready for promotion- but they are not contacted personally when positions are advertised. It is assumed they would check website/emails (similar work email sent).

Im not sure if that’s normal practice. I assumed it was.

Original poster
Nosurpr1ses · 13/07/2024 08:39

@Pippa12 its a small team but I’m the only person at a level that would be eligible to apply and the remainder report to me directly.

It was on a round robin type email reminding everyone that these roles are still open. So suggests they have been for a while.

OP posts:
Pippa12 · 13/07/2024 08:35

On a personal level, it’s a shame they didn’t mention it to you, perhaps your manager thought this would show favouritism in a very small team.

You have been notified via your work emails?

It’s disappointing, but I would not mention it. Especially if you can apply and have technically not missed out?

DizzyDandilion · 13/07/2024 08:33

Bumping this for you. Don't know but doesn't seem on at all...
Unless they expect you to check work emails all the time on maternity leave...