urgent help needed - do I a representation returning to work from mat leave

[workingparentof3]

PLEASE can someone give me advice, My maternity leave is due to end in a few weeks, My manager has told me that as I am unable to work 4 days I am to step down from my senior management position, even though the hours were ok 24, they wanted me to work them over 4 days not the 3 I am able to manage. ???? I have reluctantly agreed to step down and work the 24 hours over 3 days, now my manager has said the shifts/ times I previously worked are no longer available. so I would still have to work 4 days to cover this. It also coincides with me asking her for a reference for volunteer work I was hoping to do just a few hours a week. I feel completely undervalued and not at all looking forward to going back. I have been asked to attend a meeting next week to "hash it out" there words in the PS department. What are my rights? Do I need to take representation with me.

Your rights are to return to the same job on the same terms and conditions, or if that is not reasonably practicable and you've had more than 6 months off, to a suitable alternative job on no less favourable terms and conditions.

What were your working days prior to your maternity leave?

30 hours over 4 days starting at 7.30 am, they are now saying that 7.30 starts time is no longer available , now its at 8.00 and was even asked if I could manage working 8-6, my partner works away so now which he didn't before.
If I did 24 hours over 4 days I could stay a senior, I offered to do 24 hours over 3 days and they advised that due to them being short staffed of seniors its 4 days or step down. I step down now my hours are being turned down. feel very anxious about meeting and its made me feel very under valued as a staff member. thanks for your advice, I have been off for over 6 months and understand your rights can be affected in this case just not sure how.

Ok, so you are entitled to 30 hours over 4 days, starting at 7.30. If business reasons mean this isn't available then the same role starting at 8.00 sounds reasonable.

You can refuse 8-6 that's fine.

I take it you are the one who wants to reduce your hours to 24? Did you make a proper flexible working request for this? They have to consider the request but don't have to agree it as long as they give appropriate business reasons for the refusal.

It sounds as though you asked for 24 hours over 3 days, and they offered you a compromise of those hours over 4 days, presumably because they need a certain amount of cover by senior staff, or an alternative option of fewer days in an alternative, more junior role. Now the option of reducing your days is no longer possible. Have I understood that correctly?

It sounds as though there was a bit of a mess up if they offered you a compromise that wasn't available, but if it isn't it isn't.

Your rights here are to your original role on same or no less favourable terms and conditions, or if you want to reduce hours, you have a right for them to consider it and follow an appropriate procedure for that.

In your position I'd go for 24 hours over 4 days on your original role as that sounds like a good compromise to me. Did they follow a flexible working procedure, assuming you made a formal request?