Can I get rid of my nanny when she is on maternity leave?

[ziopin]

My circumstances have changed and I do not need a full time nanny as from September (my nanny can be off on maternity leave until May) although she wants to come back in December.

TBH I'd rather not have her back, she has not been the most reliable of nannys! But do I have to ask her if she would like to take a part time position?

Yes, if you still have a requirement for a Nanny albeit part time you would be wise to offer her the position otherwise you may face a claim for unfair dismissal/sex discrimination.

Ziopin. Why don't you just offer her the part time position but make it clear that you do not want the baby to come with her. That will surely settle it.

Or, consider if the new job is really that same job? Is it a nanny you need, or a mother's hel or au pair? If you are offering a different position for which she is not qualified then you do not need to offer it to her.