Am I being penalised for having maternity leave.

[Kellie137]

Hi, I’ve recently returned to work after taking maternity leave. Last week I had my “half year” review. I’ve only been back 11 weeks. I was told in my review that it’s as an informal chat and I was under achieving on several points because they weren’t my job and I haven’t been here to show it. Surely it should go down as something else? I was then told depending on my overall rating it will decide if I get a raise. Obviously I’m not going too but whilst I understand I haven’t been there I don’t see why I’m penalised for taking maternity leave. The way I see it the men will most likely always have the opportunity to get a pay rise because they don’t take maternity leave (I know we can now split it, but majority of it are women taking) anyway am I being a bit dramatic Ir am I within my right to be annoyed?

Your OP isn't very clear.

What exactly are you worried about?

Me and my husband split our maternity, I don't see a question in your post really?

Why don't you schedule a meting with your boss and put all your points to her? You may find that they are being unfair, and having you spell it out in black and white to them may make them give you fairer conditions.

Also - you could kick up a big fuss about ability to earn the pay rise, I used to walk away from those issues too - but if you know deep down it's unfair, then you owe it to yourself to tell them, clearly but nicely - then they've got a chance to put it right.

You could phone Maternity Action and ACAS? (I think??? Haven't double checked) I think they were who I spoke to when my employer wasn't being fair and they were really helpful

I’m not sure what you are asking. You can’t get a performance related pay rise if you haven’t been there to perform. My company give bonuses at the end of each year based on how hard staff have worked. Those who’ve been on mat leave either get a pro-rated amount depending on how much time they’ve had off. I had 6 months off mat leave so got half the bonus amount - it’s only fair I think.

Your review period should only cover dates (inc annual leave) that you are in work. Speak to HR as they may need 'reminding'.

Thats how mine is working

I don't think you're being penalised. I think they can't review your performance to the same level as everyone else as you've only been back for 11 weeks, and you must have missed out on some key performance indicators.