Help please - Council department is restructuring

[tattyteddy]

Hello,

Can anyone offer any advice.....

I'm currently on maternity leave, which will finish on 20th November 2011. I'm then using holidays and returning to work properly on 3rd January 2012.

My department in the Council have recently issued a notice of restructure and possible redundancies. At the moment there are three of us that have the same role, this will be reduced to two. In essence I will have to re-apply for my job, and one of us won't be successful.

What I'm wondering is, I thought I'd have some extra protection whilst being on maternity leave? Also it will be more difficult preparing and attending an interview whilst I'm on maternity leave/holiday.

Any advice greatly appreciated.

Thanks tatty teddy xxx

You do have some extra protection but not as much as many people seem to think.

The Council cannot use the fact that you are on maternity leave to select you for redundancy but that doesn't stop them from making you redundant for other reasons. If you are selected for redundancy they must offer you any suitable alternative job even if there are other employees who are more suitable for the role. You should talk to your Council's HR people about any problems you will have preparing for and attending an interview.

I work in local govt, and we are going through the same right now.

From what I have seen, those on maternity leave are being kept in the loop and expected to attend 'development centres' and interviews just the same as everyone else.

Hello,

Thank you very much for your replies. I think I shall have a good chat with HR and the union tomorrow.

Thanks again.

Tattyteddy xx