Can they do this

[Beansprout30]

I'm three weeks into mat leave - well technically annual leave at the moment, I stupidly logged into my emails just to see what's been happening and I noticed my colleague (who I supervise) who's covering some of my work has changed her job title to my title!!

I know she couldn't wait to jump in my shoes when I left but nobody agreed she would be changing her job title. This probably sounds petty but it took me ages to get the job and she's only been with the company 6 months.

I'm planning to take 9 months off and my question is, I know after this time they don't have to offer me my exact role back - but can they give it to someone else and offer me a different role? Surely that's not a good enough reason?

Phone your line manager and ask why your colleague is using your title. Then at least you'll know! She's probably done it off her own back though and will be made to change it back.

Agree with Violet, ask your line manager. Make it very clear that you are intending to return to your role after maternity leave (whether you are or you aren't) and want to pre-empt any problems.

Bloody cheek!

If you're off for more than 6 months then they can give your role to someone else and give you another role, they don't need a reason. The role they give you has to be of equal responsibility.

If she's covering your work when you're off then she should be able to use the job title. My dh covered his boss's job when she was off and he used her job title because that was the job he was doing.

Thanks for the replies, I didn't think employers were allowed to just give your role to your cover not matter how much leave you take? I thought they had to have a good reason to not offer your original job back to you

My mat cover used the job title "Acting 'my job title' " while I was away. Perhaps suggest she uses that? If she is doing your job she probably feels she technically has the right to put your job title as well.

I work in HR. The person covering you of course can use the job title. When you return they either give you your original job back or an equivalent role. They don't suspend the job until you return, someone usually has to do it in the meantime. It's unusual for someone not to have cover for their maternity leave and that person can use the job title.

The fact someone is covering your job doesn't mean it won't be available for you to return to, the key is in the word "cover"