My job being advertised as permanent, not mat leave cover?

[swiftt]

I’m due in June. My company have been advertising for a mat leave position to cover me for a few months now, but it hasn’t been filled. They are now advertising the same post but on a permanent basis, and no longer seem to be recruiting for my mat cover. I’m not sure whether to ask them about this, I’m concerned that they are essentially hiring to replace me rather than cover me!

I completely understand why you would be concerned. Do you think there could be scope for them to retain both the new person and you when you return? Or could someone else at your level be due to retire or have expressed a long term plan to leave? Just trying to suggest ideas but you know the sort of job role/ company etc and how likely these things are.

This happened to me, when my mat leave was finished they wanted me to come back as an admin assistant. I was the most qualified in the office, their admin assistant had just left so they thought they could get away with giving me her role

It's quite common for companies to struggle to fill mat cover posts but it also depends on what your job is and how long the cover is too, which may mean they aren't getting the applications through they need.

If you are concerned I would speak with your manager and share with them that you have seen they are recruiting permanently and just a bit worried about the impact of this on your role.

It may be that they have the budget to have more than one of you in role and it suits them longer term. Also, are you returning part-time and shared this with them? This may also be a reason for them recruiting permanently to help with the workload.

In any case, I'd approach it quite sensitively with your manager if possible and discuss this.

I doubt very much you have anything to worry about.

Hope it goes well

When I went back from maternity with my eldest my boss thought he could just change my role as another woman had left and I knew both roles. I didn't stand for it! They had to give me my previous role and I had to retrain my "temp replacement" who became a permanent fixture.

Read up on your rights and do not let them mess you about.