Redundancy when pregnant; stop me from feeling like a mug!

[bumperella]

I've been made redundant, 6 weeks before my maternity leave starts / 8 weeks before due date. My role has in effect been made part-time by re-organising the department; this has also been done with another role, giving a single job where there was two. The redundnacy was between me and the person who had the other role, and I lost out.

BUT...I feel that the re-organisation has only come about to arrange maternity cover, but my employer says this is not the case.

The criteria used for deciding who got the role was based on appraisal forms, with some sections weighted more than others. I feel that this was done before and things were tweaked to ensure that I lost out. The last day for redundant person coincided exactly with my planned mat leave dates.
So to me, the decision as to who would go had already been made before redundancy was mentioned to us, and criteria arranged to support a decision that had already been taken. Again, my employer says otherwise.

I have been given a fairly generous package (4 months salary). Should I walk away? or do complain?
I would speak to a lawyer, but I do wonder if any extra settlement amount wouldn't warrant the fees and the stress. But I don't want to feel like a doormat. Any advice at all?

I cant offer much advice but feel your pain as I was made redundant about a month before I was due to return from maternity leave. The annoying part was that they kept on the person that covered me for matenity leave. Their justification for this was that as I only wanted to return part time they couldn't afford to employ both of us and the job could not be done with just one p/t member of staff. Looking back on it now I wish I had sought some advice but at the time I accepted the offer they made as I didn't feel like I had another option as returning f/t was not something I wanted to do. I suggest that you speak to Citizens Advice as they may be able to tell you what your rights are before you fork out on any legal costs. Although your package does sound good...I thought that if you were made redundant before mat leave started then the employers had to continue paying your mat pay as well as your redundancy package?! Not sure if this is correct though?! Hope it all works out for you!!!

I'd take the 4 months. Remember you'll also get MA which is the same as SMP.

Call Working Families, they have solicitors who specialise in sex discrimination/maternity discrimination 0800 013 0313. They have a free helpline. At least then you can decide on the pros and cons of doing something/nothing.

I do get maternity pay, as I was employed there in the "qualifying week" (15 weeks before due date). Financially I am better off this way. But I am just so hacked off about it - which is a terrible reason to try and sue, I know!
Thanks for the advice all. I will make that call if nothing else to feel better about not taking action.