WWYD - advice/support needed from wise MNetters

[sazlocks]

Currently on mat leave with DS2 and work about to undergo major restructure following government announcements earlier this week. Not planning to go back to work until DS 2 is 9 months which is in November. Now wondering whether I should go back earlier to start jostling for position - I am the main wage earner - or carry on enjoying lovely babymoon and take the long view which is that it will all work itself out in the end and a few months isn't going to make any difference. WWYD ?

When do you expect the restructure to take place?

Whilst you are off, you actually have more protection against redundancy. 'Regulation 10' says that you get priority for any redeployment opportunities over and above anyone else. That's a much stronger position than you would be in if you were back at work.

Where I think women are always vulnerable is if they come back a month or two before a restructure - not long enough to make an impact, but back so not additionally protected. I'd almost be inclined to extend maternity leave to the full year (if you could afford to) in that situation.

That said, I'd take the long view myself. You don't get the start of your child's life again, so if it's just a case of possibly improving your jostling for position, I wouldn't make the sacrifice (different balance possibly if you knew you would get a benefit from going back early, but not necessarily).

I've just started back following mat leave (dd2 is 11 months). We're in the same position - a big restructure is underway and there will be lots of redundancies.

I wish I'd delayed coming back, tbh, for all the reasons Ribena's given. I've lost the protection of maternity leave, but haven't yet had the opportunity to prove my worth (again!).

I feel like I've been really sidelined in my absence and it's going to be really easy to get rid of me

My advice would be to take as long as you can afford and enjoy the time with your beautiful ds

Thanks for your responses. I am sorry to hear about your situation footstep. I hope that you manage to get things onto a firmer footing.
I fear that I will have no choice but to go back later this year and it will be at the point you describe ribenaberry. It is my second maternity leave in that post as well so I feel that I have even more to prove.
I am not sure what if any benefit I will get from going back sooner so will stick it out and enjoy the time I have left.