Worried about the security of my job after mat leave

[Spanglypinkpants]

I've worked for my company for 12 years, in my current job for 3, started on the graduate scheme which meant I got extra training, get good/excellent appraisals, get on well with everyone and am generally well thought of.

Am current three months into maternity leave, planning to return exactly six months after I left as I believe this means they have to let me go back to my original job on the same salary. I have a part time job, three days a week. Absolutely love my job, It is interesting, stimulating and has the hours and location I want.

The girl covering me is however working full time.

I had a catch up meeting with my boss last week and she told me that someone is going to be moving out of our department and her responsibilities will be passed to the girl covering my mat leave. I asked how that would affect me when I go back and she told me that they are looking to keep my replacement on permanently on a full time basis as well as me. The extra responsibilities probably add another day or so maximum to the job I do.

Keeping head count low is a key priority for the company so adding a new member of staff is a big deal. We are a large national company but keeping overheads low is always on the agenda.

My company has been great to me so far, but they have a history of edging people out when it suits them. I have a suspicion that if the bosses won't allow the extra person, then somehow my part time job will become a full time role, and I will be given the choice to apply or take redundancy.

Am I right in thinking they can't really do this whilst I'm on maternity leave? And if so at what point does maternity leave stop 'protecting' me?

You say you are well thought of, but I'm curious then as to what is making you suspicious that if this plan is not approved, you'll be edged out? Have you got reason to think your boss prefers the woman covering your maternity leave to you? Something else?

If the plan is not approved and they genuinely need to restructure, then there nothing stopping them doing this while you are on maternity leave- they are not expected to put the business on hold and wait for potentially months for someone to go back to work. As long as they involve you fully and do not treat you less favourably because of your maternity leave, they are allowed to continue to run their business which may involve restructuring exercises. Having said that, as you are due back in a matter of 12 weeks or so, it would be prudent of them to wait.

Your maternity leave protects you in that if your post is made redundant while you are on leave, and there is a suitable alternative available, you must be offered it over and above anyone else. "Suitable" being appropriate for your skills and experience and on the same or no less favourable terms and conditions.

I'm not sure there's a lot you can do at this stage other than see what happens, and deal with it at the time, tbh.

I'm suspicious because I'm part time and I'm the only part timer in the office (50plus people). There are other part timers in the wider company but flexible working is not particularly well supported.

I don't necessarily think they prefer my maternity replacement but I think they would rather have a full timer than a part timer.

A friend working in another part of the compNy was recently given an ultimatum, go full time or take redundancy.

Thanks for the reply, I guess you're right. Wait and see....