can I apply for a promotion when on Mat leave?

[sinead80]

Hi I am on Mat leave and a job has come up in my department. Can I still apply for this or is it a bit of a no no given I dont plan to return to work until next Nov?

Don't think I can answer your specific query but it's certainly possible to apply for promotion whilst on mat leave - I did and I got it. However in my case it was just for and "standard" promotion, i.e. a job title + extra benefits I was entitled to ask for at my level. It wasn't for a specific job vacancy, if you see what I mean. I don't think they can use the fact that you're on mat leave in itself to deny you a promotion if you're the best person for the job, but if you're not likely to be back for a year they'll need to think about what would happen in the meantime. Could you perhaps come up with suggestions for that (i.e. is there a way your promoted job could be easily covered until you get back?). Sure someone else who knows more will be able to help more.

Er, I think so. Maybe you might want to go back a bit earlier if you got it?

You can't be treated any less favourably than any other candidate because you're on maternity leave however I think there is a very good chance you won't get this job. That seems to be the way it works when maternity leave is in the equation (yes I am bitter!)

I did, and got it. Was kept open for me until I went back - only about 6 weeks, someone was seconded to it.

Good luck .

I think they have to allow UPI or it is discrimination! When I was on mat leave and a promotion came up they went to huge lengths to make sure I knew about it as if I didn't it could be a legal matter.

Thanks for the advice ladies. I will put my application in and see what happens. I am just worried that if I get an interview I will still be in hospital or the baby will be tiny etc. Its the same job I am doing now but at a slightly senior level.