I started back at work a month ago (study leave until 14 Jan) after a year's mat leave and was informed that (out of kindness and consideration for me) I would not be doing my usual teaching this term - the members of staff who covered it during my absence would be doing it again (although it is not until March).
Was a bit surprised by this (as it is not normal procedure to let people off teaching subsequent to their study leave, and besides, when I was new to the job in 2002 I had to teach 3 modules in my first term, so I don't know why they've started being all kind and considerate now). I was also really disappointed as it was the highlight of my job (a week's intensive teaching on an area I am interested in with a small group of motivated students).
I today spoke to one of the members of staff who covered for me and was informed that she had insisted on doing it twice because she didn't want to do all that preparation just to do it once. And that in future she will be sharing the teaching with me because it was such a success when she did it.
It also appears that she has slagged off my teaching to the HoD utterly without basis as I always got fabulous student feedback for it.
I don't think I have a leg to stand on legally wrt to the thing about your right to go back to the same job as you left - looking at the university's maternity policy this is what it says:
"She will return to the job (which does not preclude changes to the duties and responsibilities in the intervening period) in which she was employed under the original contract of employment and on terms applicable to her if she had not been absent. "
AIBU to feel totally furious, upset, disappointed, shat upon, etc etc?
What would you do?