Redundancy on first day back after M/L & sick leave

[babysmamma]

Sorry its a bit of a long one but I would really appreciate your views (be gentle I'm on the brink here) ....
Back in Nov 2011 I was bullied into a junior role with my co. they basically said take the job or take some cash to leave . I had a tough year as my hubby developed kidney failure, my 2nd child just was not sleeping so I was running on empty, however no performance issues were EVER raised and I still turned up to work each day. I consulted a solicitor at the time who advised me that I did have a very strong case however as I was 11 wks pregnant with our third child I decided to just make the best of the situation knowing I would be on M/L soon and negotiated a good deal.
Fast forward to me returning from M/L (& 3 wks sick due to a leg op) to find out that my position (the new one I took in Nov 11) has now been put at risk of redundancy. I believe its all a sham and they have waited until I wasn't on M/L in order to get around the legal side of things. he reasons they have given are flimsy at best and easily challenged. I'm one of the youngest managers there and present a high risk due to my caring responsibilities etc. Anyhow I have a meeting with them tomorrow to discuss this 'proposal' and the alternative job they have offered (less than 50% of my current salary and a very junior position) and I'm worried sick - literally I cant sleep, I'm having palpitations and sweats and I'm scared stiff that I'm going to end up loosing us our home.
Anyone had a similar experience ?

In terms of waiting until you've returned from maternity leave, that doesn't "get round the legal side of things" unless there is/was a suitable alternative vacancy which they didn't want to offer you.

The only additional protection you get in a redundancy situation while you are on maternity leave is that if there is a suitable alternative (similar work on no less favourable terms and conditions), you must be offered it and can't be expected to compete for it with others.

Other than that, waiting until you are back from maternity leave isn't really an issue.

If you think the redundancy isn't genuine and is easily challenged, do you intend to do that? Can you explain here why you think the redundancy isn't genuine (or your selection as opposed to someone else is not fair), so we can guide you?

Get union rep if you have one. If not don't agree to anything, ask for time to consider to seek advice. See what they offer. They should protect your current salary fr a period if you have to move jobs. Check your redundancy policy.

Hi - thanks for taking the time to respond :)
The reasons they gave pretty much all existed before I took the job (not that I was aware but this can be proved) & can be challenged (lots of elements of my role still exist)- the other thing is that my job has already been made redundant as everything has already taken place while I was on M/L despite this being presented as a 'proposal'! I had the meeting with them today & raised my concerns, they will discuss & get back to me next Thursday with the outcome (its already happened) and any other jobs (erm I thought that was the one you already offered me) that may be on the table.
Given my previous experience I firmly believe that they have been biding their time & now that I'm not pregnant or on M/L have decided its time get rid of me.
I've already spoken to a solicitor who thinks I have a strong case I just wondered if anyone had similar experiences & what were the outcomes (if they are allowed to discuss) :-)

oh I should add - I asked if I was to go into work as 'usual' while this was all taking place and was told that would be "awkward" as my role no longer exists ......so no work for me until I hear from them I guess.....