Hi All.
I'm an optometrist (the one who does the eye test in an opticians).
I work at a local (under 5 mins) branch as the only resident optom and have done so for the past 5 years.
I just had my baby in December and am planning to return to work at the end of May (26 weeks).
Since I've been off my manager recruited a permanent resident maternity cover. This manager left in February and the new manager recruited a second optom in the branch (who was actually another girl on Maternity who was returning to work and wanted to work at a closer branch, i.e my branch).
Now there are 2 optoms in my branch and I'm confused about what is going to happen when I return to work. I arrange a meeting with this new manager who says that I have to be moved to another store, probably the store the other optom transferred in from.
Obviously I was outraged as the only reason I was returning after 26 weeks was because I wanted and needed my same job back as it was so local.
I kicked up a fuss and the new manager has now got back to me and said that all 3 optoms can stay in the local branch but will have to spend 1-2 days per week at another branch. I have not agreed to this and will not as I cannot travel further then this branch. I'm furious as I feel I have to change my job now and travel purely because there have been 2 permanent staff recruited whilst I was away.
Do I have any grounds to refuse what she is offering and am I right to stick to my guns that I should have the same job I left on? If she refuses what do I next?
I spoke to Working Families who said that I should go to my local branch and if I am sent to another branch I should just come home and that if I get sacked because of it I can claim for unfair dismissal. I spoke to them a second time and was told I should travel under protest?!
Please help a confused and distraught mum who is not enjoying her maternity time whilst fighting for my job!!
Thanks.