What are my maternity rights

[Sweetpea86]

Hi ladies I have a 7 week old baby and I'm taking a year off work. I'm due back at work in march 2015 when I went on maternity a women took on my job on a temporary basis. I went in to work to see a few friends the other day, and this women asked me four times what I was doing when I come back to work. She then went on to tell me that our boss had said she has that job permanent now. And she signed a permanent contract. I'm confused tho as I was chatting with my manager and she came up to then say what happens when I come bk. my manger did say it's up to me when I come bk. I'm totally panicking as I'm worried I'm not guna have a job to come back to. I was full time and will be coming bk part time but work know this.

The women who took my job while I'm off is a absolute trouble maker but I'm in a total state worrying now. If I had it my way I would sort out what days I will be coming bk to work now but my boss is the type of person sorts every thing out last minute :( :,(

If you want legallycorrect upto date advise hen speak to ACAS.

m.acas.org.uk/

It's free and confidential advise.

In broad terms, if you take off 6 months or less you can return to the job you had. If you take off longer they just have to find you an equivalent job. Have a look at the advice guide website (CAB's site). This sets out your rights.

If you take additional maternity leave they do not have to offer you the same job on your return, just one thats similar.

www.gov.uk/employee-rights-when-on-leave

Don't panic. First of all ring ACAS to find out more information. Maternity Action are also really helpful, but they have limited opening hours. They do have an excellent website with lots of FAQs though that I can recommend from personal experience (I am being made redundant while on maternity leave at the moment!).

You are legally entitled to have a job at the same level, pay and hours that you had before you left. You are protected in law so as I say, don't panic, just use the above sites to clarify the information and enjoy your maternity leave.

Hope that helps.

Thanks I'll have a look and ring for advice, I'm totally panicking :(

They have to give you a job with the same wage/level when you return.

Could the team have expanded so there would be 2 people in your role? Or maybe that woman is just stirring (which would be something your manager should speak to her about!)?

If they say not, contact ACAS.

Contact YOUR BOSS confidentially before ACAS ... as a manager myself it sounds like the woman is stirring and worrying you, and your manager clearly expects you to have a job!