So I am 7 weeks back at work following 2nd maternity leave. I have written in another thread about tension with the person who did both my mat leaves in 2011 and 2013. That aside, last Monday I was told that the sub team I manage is merging with another and my role (no prior consultation just tole), my role though not changing in scope will now report into a Head of Department (was Director, then Deputy Director). I manage a team and have 15 years experience. My role is going to now be on a par with someone who has 6 years experience and who is seen as far more junior across the organisation. I was told on Monday and there was a big push to get it announced on Wednesday. Once announced across the organisation, I had a flurry of emails asking how I felt and comments that they thought I had been level with the other head of a team etc. After an honest and slightly heated discussion with my current line manager (Deputy Director) where they mentioned I would have had more opportunities if I hadn't been on mat leave and did I want things handed to me on a plate, amongst other comments, I feel I have no alternative but to resign as soon as I find a new role, which isn't going to be straight forward as I work a 4 day week with flexi working. I made it very clear I am worried about career progression and was told please don't make any rash decisions as we need you to help make this transition as smooth as possible and support the others in my team! My mat cover in my No 2 and though was awkward to begin with is now very pleasant as she needs me as you doesn't have direct skills and experience to cope with the larger new team and knows I'll cover her back.... There is no career progression in the role I will now be in other than varied work and I have been told this in no uncertain terms. I have been with the organisation 5 years (including mat leaves of 9 and then 10 months). I am really saddened and upset that all my work in and out of my remit hasn't been recognised and a restructure like this would be a perfect opportunity to look at a higher level role, or promotion internally which the organisation says it promotes. I basically know that I have to move on now in order to move up in my career. I feel my loyalty has been misplaced as I have been approached for other roles but stayed loyal to my employer. I feel that if I am not seen worthy of being seen as a senior member of staff and they just expect me to bumble along I can't do this, and my confidence has had a real knock. The organisation is a well known charity. Previous to this role I was employed by a very picky and well renowned commercial art company, my CV has some high profile companies and I have great experience in my field. But my current employer said none of that bears any sway as it is out of date! I am feeling discriminated against and feel this could be constructive dismissal. Anyone reading this who knows me will know exactly who I am now... but anyway I have outed myself.. but I need help. I need help to understand why and how this is happening, why I am so upset about it and if I am jumping to conclusions on the constructive dismissal front?
Thank you for reading this HUGE essay!