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Original poster

Work should be contacting me, right?

27 replies

greeneyedlulu · 15/10/2020 16:53

After some advice, I did try to contact Maternity Action but had no luck there, will try again tomorrow though.

I'm meant to be going back to work next week after a year off on Mat leave. Obviously things are up in the air with covid but I text my line manager 2 weeks ago asking what was happening and he said he would speak to the owner.
All I want to know right now is would I be wrong in not chasing him again and then just not turning up to work?
The way I see it is that they have a responsibility to inform me of what is going on. In the text conversation with my line manager 2 weeks ago, I specifically asked what will be happening with me and have since heard nothing back. I told him I've lined up child care even telling him how much it was going to cost me (over £1K per month) but still nothing. He also informed me that there is a WhatsApp group for all the furloughed staff which I'm not in. Personally I don't think I should be chasing them, surely they should, surely if my line manager is too busy to deal with me, he should tell the owner or HR and they should contact me?
I also think I'm going to be made redundant and my line manager just hasn't got the balls to tell me!
What do you think?

OP posts:
Cloudhopping · 15/10/2020 16:55

I think you should be an adult and contact them again.

DartmoorChef · 15/10/2020 16:55

I think that in the time it's taken to write your post you could have dropped an email to your libe manager saying 'hi, ive not received an update please can you let me know what's happening?'

bakereld · 15/10/2020 16:56

Literally just ask for an update...

SunbathingDragon · 15/10/2020 16:56

All I want to know right now is would I be wrong in not chasing him again and then just not turning up to work?

Yes. You either chase it up or else you go into work as normal tomorrow.

Alexandernevermind · 15/10/2020 16:57

Don't text about important work issues. Phone up and ask.

WhatNameToChooseNow · 15/10/2020 17:03

It's in your contract of employment so just check that and act accordingly like every other returning person would.

Original poster
greeneyedlulu · 15/10/2020 17:03

The text was more a catch up which then turned in to a chat about my return but he did say he would get back to me.

I'll leave til Monday and then email in.

Thanks x

OP posts:
SunbathingDragon · 15/10/2020 17:20

I also think I'm going to be made redundant and my line manager just hasn't got the balls to tell me!

Better than being dismissed for not turning up.

kazzer2867 · 15/10/2020 17:33

I don't understand why you wouldn't email HR yourself (and cc your manager into the email).

Original poster
greeneyedlulu · 15/10/2020 18:03

Because if I'm honest, I'm bloody annoyed at my line manager!! If I say I'm going to do something like get back to someone, I do it!! Also, considering covid and not being at full capacity, staff furloughed etc would it be such an inconvenience for them to contact me, the one who has been off for a year, first?? That seems logical to me!

OP posts:
WhatNameToChooseNow · 15/10/2020 18:17

@greeneyedlulu now is not the time to gamble your job. I would ring tomorrow...if you value your job.

AnneAndBeyonce · 15/10/2020 18:21

It’s really shabby behaviour on their part but ultimately if you don’t turn up they will manage you as though you are AWOL.
This could result in your dismissal and would also save them any redundancy payout so I wouldn’t do them any favours by not turning up.
I would email HR directly requesting further information and copy your manager in.

Original poster
greeneyedlulu · 15/10/2020 18:24

Yes you're right!! But I'm so bloody annoyed at them!! I'm venting!!

OP posts:
Scweltish · 15/10/2020 18:24

Of course you chase it up op. And do it properly instead of texting

Lemonsyellow · 15/10/2020 18:31

You sound like you’re being difficult. Contact them now. Don’t wait. Yes, they are not being very on the ball but staff on maternity leave may not be at the top of their minds right now, rightly or wrongly.

Lemonsyellow · 15/10/2020 18:32

Why are you so angry and annoyed?

ChaChaCha2012 · 15/10/2020 18:35

Also, considering covid and not being at full capacity, staff furloughed etc would it be such an inconvenience for them to contact me, the one who has been off for a year, first?? That seems logical to me!

Stop being so precious, you're not special.

Logical would be to contact them tomorrow.

Beach11 · 15/10/2020 18:35

If you want/need the job, do the chasing. Ease enough to replace you

ChaChaCha2012 · 15/10/2020 18:36

Why would you contact Maternity Action tomorrow, but not your employer?

LeroyJenkinssss · 15/10/2020 18:36

Ok but from their point of view they are likely stressed and up to the eyeballs in trying to cope and reassure furloughed staff, manage the business etc. To them you are one of them so stop being so precious and contact them.

LeroyJenkinssss · 15/10/2020 18:37

*one of many.

Lemonsyellow · 15/10/2020 18:38

Also, considering covid and not being at full capacity, staff furloughed etc would it be such an inconvenience for them to contact me, the one who has been off for a year, first?? That seems logical to me!

Your logic is back to front. You should be contacting them. You’re the one who hasn’t been at work for a year.

Original poster
greeneyedlulu · 15/10/2020 18:43

I'm not angry, I'm annoyed that after 12 years of service, I dont seem important enough to be contacted and informed on whether I am actually to return or being being furloughed or whatever, i dont really think that's unreasonable to be honest.

As I said I will email in

OP posts:
trilbydoll · 15/10/2020 18:45

The assumption in the absence of any other arrangement is that you will turn up 1 year after you went on mat leave and work whatever hours you worked before. If you want something different you have to drive it.

Evilwasps · 15/10/2020 19:01

You have to go back to work when your maternity leave ends, that's what is in your contract. To not turn up is ridiculous and could result in disciplinary action. Just call your boss and discuss it.

Also you won't be furloughed as you can't be unless you were already before a particular date in June this year, so that won't happen. All that's relevant to you is what date you return and any covid related changes that affect your work place or how you do your job.

I get that you're probably anxious about your return, but honestly you're making it far more of a big deal than it needs to be. Just talk to your boss