Job being relocated abroad while on maternity...

[Utterlyscrewed]

I've been informed by my director that my position is being relocated to another country way across the pond. I've been employed for 7 years full time in this role, and am due back from 6 months of maternity leave next month. They are sending me a settlement agreement offer, not sure how much for. They plan to keep on my maternity cover who is based in this other country until they find someone permanent there. It's a very small UK based company, they have no other role to offer me.

I plan to speak to a solicitor, but does this seem legal, or is it maternity discrimination? I'm really lost :(

As you have only had 6 months maternity leave, they are required to give you your old job back. However, they are offering you a settlement agreement. That means they will give you some money and an agreed reference, in return for which you will agree not to take them to tribunal for discrimination, unfair dismissal or anything else. That is perfectly legal.

They should pay for you to get legal advice on the agreement. A solicitor will be able to advise you whether the money on offer is reasonable. It is likely to be less than you would get if you took them to tribunal and won, but it avoids the delay and stress of an Employment Tribunal case.

@prh47bridge Thanks! I'm majorly panicking, I had very flexi working around my childcare and now have no idea how to make it work.