Advice needed on going back to work after maternity

[Ejones1308]

Hi, I’m looking for some advice. I’ve worked for my company for 14 years I’m on a 32 hour contract but last year the changed our shifts from 8 hour shifts to 5 hour shifts I didn’t sign anything to agree to this so I started doing 25 hours per week as I couldn’t fit the 32 hours without doing 6 and a bit days. Anyway I went on maternity leave last December for 12 months I’ve gone back this week and said I need 3 shifts per week to cover my bills. They took on maternity cover and two other ladies while I was off and now I’ve found out they’ve taken my maternity cover on a permanent contract. Now my boss is telling me they don’t have enough hours to give me 3 shifts per week and I’m very stressed and upset as I expected it to go a lot smoother than this since I’ve worked there 14 years. This boss is a new guy 25 years old doesn’t seem to have a clue what he’s doing. Telling me they’ve taken on too many staff seems very unprofessional in itself. So basically I’d like to know where I stand legally if anyone has any idea?! I experienced severe ppd and this is making me very anxious. Thank you xxx

If you are on a 32 hour contract ( not zero hours up to 32) then I would take legal advice as you should be able to go back on the same hours automatically, but request fewer as flexible working

Are 5 hour shifts standard?
Can you do 2 in a day so 10 hours?

Are you in a union? If not, ACAS can help

They can't cut your hours just because you have been on mat leave. Is this a big company with an HR dept? If it is then start there by raising a complaint. What are you actually contracted for.

So basically I’m on a 32 hour contract Have been for 14 years but after having my son I can’t really work that many hours so I formally in writing asked for flexible hours 15 hours per week! I haven’t got the option to do 10 hour shifts they don’t allow it as that’s why they cut the hours so we don’t get our 30 mins paid breaks per shift. Can I only put in w complaint If I’m willing to do my contracted 32 hours which they physically can’t give me?! I work for David Lloyd gym so yes a very big company. I’ve raised the issue with my hr department.

I also have txt messages from my new line manager saying they’ve taken on too many staff for me to get my hours

I think they can refuse flexible working requests but I would still go to HR because like you say they couldn't give you the 32 hours even if you wanted them so there is obviously an issue that needs sorted. Go to HR, explain the situation and see what they say about the flexible working then take it from there.

Your legal entitled to your role back (or a role of a similar level depending on how long you have been off on maternity leave). Are they saying that they can’t offer you your original 32 hours?

I know you don’t want 32 hours but they can’t tell you they can’t offer you any hours - that would be discrimination!

They can decline flexible working requests (for a limited number of reasons) but then they have to offer you something similar to what you had before you went on maternity leave. So either your original role on 32 hours or an equivalent role on the same terms.

You need to escalate this.

Thank you so much everyone really appreciate it! I’m having a meeting with them this afternoon