I work part time but my maternity cover post is being made full time

[peachespear]

I work 30 hours and always have done in this role which I've been in for 2 years now (NHS) I am just finishing off for maternity leave and my temp cover post originally went out 30 hours the same as what my hours actually are, but there was no suitable applicants to appoint so it is in the process of going back out full time 37.5 hours, my manager has not officially told me this herself but my colleague has made me aware who deals with this side of things. I already feel like I pretty much do a full time job in part time hours but this knowledge that someone is going to be doing my job full time when I wil be returning to my same hours 30 hours (which I did confirm with my manager a few weeks ago and all was fine) is making me feel stressed thinking I'm now going to be expected to do even more when I come back and will be expected to pick up where the full time cover left off despite them doing more hours, they have already been pushing more on me lately and I actually have a bigger workload than another colleague who works full time and has the same job as me just supporting different people/teams. I only have 2 days left and won't be seeing my manager again to bring my concerns up (I am probably not meant to know that it has been changed to full time yet either). Does anyone have any advice/knowledge around this kind of thing? I just don't want to spend my maternity leave being concerned about my job and what kind of workload I will be coming back to and whether they can just make my post full time?!

Don't want to read and run. I don't have any advice but I would maybe give pregnant then screwed a call they have people who.give advice on these things. Maybe can give you advice as to what your right are etc. Link below: https://pregnantthenscrewed.com/advice-services/

You are legally entitled to return to your job with the same conditions as pre-maternity leave (hours, grade etc) and this protection has been extended.

The sad reality is that there are inevitably ways around this, typically outlined as a restructure of some capacity.

I would recommend that you document your concerns in writing along the lines of "as you're aware, my hours are currently X and whilst my maternity cover will be carrying out the role under full time conditions, I intend to return was per my contracted hours. When I return, I look forward to working together to ensure that the work is redistributed within the contracted hours"

Keep this sent message carefully stored for your records in the future as should things not go well, it may help prove intent which falls under discrimination.

Hope this helps.