Returning to work (for a second time) after baby 2, advice needed

[Freyfreysmum]

Hi

Wondered if there is anyone on here who may be happy to offer me some initial advice on my situation.

I have a permanent job with a very large company.

I used to work Full time as a Communications Manager, until I took maternity leave in 2007-8, whereby they accepted my request to return to work 21hrs a week (8-3 Tues to Thur). Then, in October last yr (09) I went on maternity leave again (whoops) and have taken the full 52weeks. So, I am due back in a fortnight.
I went in today to see my boss who said that we have until the end of the year to sort out the following : My job, and another 'admin' job needs to be merged into one full time roll.

They have offered me this, full time, or to do a jobshare. However if jobshare, they will tell me the days, and it will be 17.5hrs a week. My role will become much more admin based, shared with a 59yr old data inputter. I have already lost my office as a new chap (in a different role) has taken it, and so instead of my own private office I am now in a communal office with 30 men.

Help, is this all OK, I guess I just feel very sad, like I was looking forward to returning to my job but also very nervous etc, only to find that it doesnt exist anymore due to company restructuring. If I decline the jobshare, is that it? Thanks in advance x

my sister had similar when she went back to work in that they had made her old post redundant but they legally had to offer her a similar post at same salary.

Not sure with regards to the jobshare etc have you tried seeking advice from citixen's advice or similar, or a solicitor in employment law that might give free advice?
hope you get an answer

yeh i think you need to seek some advice. It seems to me they are downgrading your postion.

But then again, cant you not just go for another job else where and just get a really good reference from your existing employer?

Dwp website says

When returning to work after ordinary maternity leave (the first 26 weeks of your Statutory Maternity Leave), you have a right to the same job and the same terms and conditions as if you hadn?t been absent.
This also applies when you come back after additional maternity leave (the last 26 weeks of your Statutory Maternity Leave). However, if your employer shows it is not reasonably practical to return to your original job (eg because the job no longer exists) you do not have the same right. In that case, you must be offered alternative work with terms and conditions as if you hadn?t been absent.