Being made redundant on maternity leave

[sleepytoday]

I am very early in my maternity leave but was given a heads up at the beginning of the week by my new boss and HR that my role will be restructured and likely be made redundant. I'm aware of my rights and don't think this is a deliberate thing to get me out, I'm more a victim of some wider politics. There is no equivalent role for me although I could probably find another role in another area within the company, but it's not my preferred area and would involve a step back career wise. For various reasons it will take at lest another 6-8 weeks for the detail to work out so formal consultation in the new year.

The problem is that my mind has gone into overdrive. I'm the breadwinner and if I can't find an equivalent role, we can't pay the mortgage. I'm not sleeping, not eating can't focus on anything, can't enjoy my maternity leave or new baby, I am just utterly panicked about this. I've emailed my boss to explain the need for clarity but have been passed to HR who have told me to relax and watch Netflix (wtf?) feel like I have fallen into a hole.

I'd contact a specialist in employment law. I don't think (from what you've said) they are following the due process and could be seen as unfair and unreasonable.

Formal process for re-structuring involves a consultation process and period for all employees.

Decisions made by the company to re-structure should be confidential until it is put into the workplace formally.

It is serious and is not just a 'heads up' type of conversation. No wonder HR are playing it down.

A great charity called Pregnant Then Screwed offers free legal advice. They were wonderful with my particular situation, and will at least clarify whether your company are behaving as they should.

You probably know that as of right, you are entitled to a suitable vacancy on your existing terms and conditions in the restructuring if there is one. This includes not just vacancies with your employer, but also vacancies at any associate or subsidiary company. Even though a different role isn't your preferred option, it may be the best way forward, in terms of preserving your mental health and enabling you to enjoy your maternity leave. Even if you decide not to go forward with that alternative role into the future, it is always easier to "find a job from a job".