I am currently on 12 months mat leave and due to return in Jan to a large company. I put in my flexible working form as prev doing 3 days of 9am - 3pm (2 days) and 1pm - 7pm (1 day). Had to change slightly to do 3 days 9.30am - 3.00pm as unable to work till 7pm now.
Had a letter yesterday to advise has been denied as they want people to work weekends and eves which I cannot do. Anyway part of me has decided I dont wish to return but if I dont return will have to pay mat benefits back (have to return for 4 weeks).
Is there anyway I can get out of not going back for the 4 weeks and not paying the mat money back ? The annoying thing is prior to starting mat leave I had saved 4 weeks hol and as I was on pregnancy related sickness for 3 months I was forced to take the hols as part of the sick leave and only carry forward 1 week.
Also I cannot go back to my existing role and have to be retrained. I was thinking of saying how can you expect me to go back when I cant do the hours requested and also is it worth them training me to leave 3 weeks later.
Sorry to waffle. Anyway been through a similar thing.
Kind regards
Tracey