Returning to work

[rae89]

I’m on mat leave. Have made a flex work request to return on reduced hours. My employer has said yes but basically wants to demote me ( all be it at same pro rata salary) I’m struggling with how to word my response that i don’t understand their objection to me returning to my previous job and effectively reducing me to a junior role after working with them for 5 years. Can anyone help with who could assist me with drafting my response

I can't draft a letter, but I would think about successes you have booked in the past, how you have kept up with developments in your branch, (depending on how long you've been on mat leave), how you can work around your child care etc. It's a bit odd that they maintain your salary, but not your actual role. Is someone else going to be doing your old job? Or are they keeping on a replacement? Are they a flexible working company, how about equality?

Thank you

They’ve employed a temp to cover my mat leave and I think they will be making her permanent to effectively do my job full time

How long have you been off?

Read this link, I think they are on shaky ground:

www.maternityaction.org.uk/advice-2/mums-dads-scenarios/pregnant/discrimination-during-maternity-leave-and-on-return-to-work/

Depends how long you will be off in total.

I came back from Mat leave earlier this year on slightly reduced hours then back to FT after a few months.

I am pretty sure that in your application for flex working you need to give a good business case as to why and how you would do your previously FT role on reduced hours and what benefit it is of the company. If they deem that your role is unsuitable for part time hours then they can offer you an alternative role on the same T's and C's (salary, obviously). They also have to prove why you cannot return to your old job.

It sounds like they have refused your flex work but offered an alternative. Check their wording though as above they could be on shaky ground.

I returned to work on 4 days a week. I applied with business case for 3 days in the office, 1 day at home (whilst my DD was at creche). Sadly, my employer did not agree with this. It was infuriating, as my manager herself worked 3 days a week! I ended up leaving my job after 9 months back in the job. Fast forward 7 years and the company has now introduced flexible working etc etc, equality is now high on the list of priorities of many employers, so fight your case. Also, check if there was any communication between you and your employer before you left in terms of returning to the same role.