Returning to work after maternity can they change my hours and contract?

[mummytobrandonandellis]

im due to return to work the end of feb and im going to my back to work meeting tomorrow but im scared that due to my availability that they will drop my hours, are they alloud to do this?

Depends how long you were off.. But broadly have either right to same
Job or equivalent one.

If you were off less than six months then you have the right to the same job. If more than six months then you have the right to an equivalent one. If you are going back for less hours then you are altering your contract which means it's all negotiable, I believe.

What do you mean by 'your availability'?

They can't change your hours and contract terms and conditions, although if you've been off more than 6 months it doesn't have to be the exact same job.

But if your job involves a certain amount of availability/flexibility from your side that you are no longer prepared to accept, that might affect things.

my availability is the same as it is was before i left but some people have mentioned to me that they have been thretened that if they dont work evenings or weekends they will have there hours cut! i have never worked evenings or weekends, i was off my 9 months paid leave.

"availability" = what i can work i.e mon - fri 8.30 - 5

They can make no changes without agreeing them with you. After 12 months things change, but I dont think that is the case at 9 months. Get advice from the Maternity Alliance. They are very good. I was facing redundancy on return from ML and got legal advice from independent advisory boards in UK and kicked some ass..and got my job back. Know your rights before you go into the meeting. And if the meeting is before that. Mention you shall seek legal advice before agreeing anything. Make copious notes of who says what and be confident of what you want. Good luck!