Job after Mat leave...

[Chasmac]

Sorry if this is the wrong place to post.
I have been offered a new job, with my current company. I am currently contracted and this new job although 15 hours a week will be a zero hours contract.
It's a great opportunity but I will be on mat leave from November.
I've heard of company's reducing hours to avoid paying maternity pay. And I'm worried what rights I have when returning.
Am I best sticking with my contracted role (that is 'safe') or will I have the same kind of rights with zero hours one?
Any help much appreciated...

Personally I wouldn't give up a contracted role for a ZHC. You have very little rights as a zero, and they can stop asking you to work at any time.

You might get more knowledge posters in the employment section, but I'd be wary. If you actually work 0 hours during your qualifying weeks that will have an impact on your maternity pay. Although it could go the opposite way if you work lots of hours during those weeks. Do they know you're pregnant yet?

Thanks for the replies....no they don't know yet. But if I decline they will think it's strange as its a job I've been after for a while.
So torn as it will be perfect to go back to next year....if it's still there

I'd not give up a contracted job for a zero hours in your situation.

Why not post in employment - you might get more specialist advice there.

Thank you I shall, i will still have a part of my existing job (that is contracted) and that alone means I qualify for maternity benefits. I suppose it's just what I will be able to go back to.
How do I ask for a thread to be moved?

You need to first and foremost protect yourself. Anything that gives you less official rights is a bad move considering your situation.

If you are currently in a fixed hours contract it is not remotely odd to refuse to move to a zero hours contract even if not pregnant. Even though you have been wanting this role. Say to your bosses 'I'd love to do this job and I'm delighted you agree I'm the best person for it but I'm not going to move to a zero hours contract. If you could make the terms and conditions of this new job no worse than what I am on now then I'll be delighted to accept'

If you are good at your work and they are not planning to screw you over they will agree. If they do not agree then it would be a bad idea to move jobs.

To move thread report your own post.

But as above just say you'd love to do the job but not on a zero hours contract. I think they are horrendous things and only work for both employer / employee in some very narrow circumstances.

Exactly what Fish said. The more people who refuse to take jobs with zero hours contracts, the more employers will have to think twice about using them.

Unfortunately most people on zero hours contracts aren't able to do that, I know. But in your situation I think it's cometsly reasonable to say 'zero hours contracts aren't for me' - pregnancy or no pregnancy.

Everyone has always be contracted....recently any new staff have been on zero hours. Moral is so low because everyone fears for their jobs and can't understand why management is doing this.
I do plan to leave after mat leave (go back for the required time) if things don't improve. But obviously can't now as I've worked for them for years and want may leave. Thank you for all your replies...