Not having a say in my mat cover.

[Mamami]

Hi,

I have a question – a colleague and I have the same job role. I’m going on maternity leave in less than a month and since announcing that I was pregnant a good few months ago I’ve been feeling sidelined to this colleague. She’s now being asked to look over the CV’s of the people applying to cover my job, ask questions etc. Shouldn’t I have a hand in my maternity cover?

Feeling sidelined and undermined.

Please help.

Thanks,

Well the short answer is no. Your maternity cover is not your concern - it's up to your employer how (and indeed if) they will cover your maternity leave.

In terms of your colleague's involvement, presumably she will be working with this person whereas you will not be. What does "look over" mean in this context? It would be strange for her to be part of the decision making process as such, but asking a view isn't necessarily a problem.

Have you spoken to your boss about how you feel, and asked whether your views would also be helpful?

Thanks for getting back to me - didn't know if it's just hormones and angst about mat leave or whether I had a right to feel put out.

My colleague is sitting in on the interviews. I wasn't asked. Guess it's nothing to do with me.

Well in the nicest possible way, no it isn't