Looking for some advice (legal?) returning after maternity

[scaris]

I hope someone can help-i feel like im pushed in a corner all alone. I took the extra maternity (unpaid) leave from my job as a contracts manager. I was due to return in July, and spoke to my unhelpful employer. He said of course i could return to my old job, but it isnt a part time job, so wouldnt be any good to me! I emailed phoned etc for months saying i would work evenings weekends and afternoons-he came back, saying only job he had was mornings (how awkward!)After more chasing by me, he said i could work in the office but not on my old salary as it was too high for just admin! I again chased, and as a final offer he offered me 5 days a week in the offoce part time (even though i asked to start off a couple of afternoons to begin with. Because i was reluctant to go back 5 days, he has wrote me a letter saying terminating my contract as he has nothing else. Am i asking for too much??? I'm trying to be as flexible as i can - but feel so alone and helpless!!!

Don't know the answer I'm afraid but have you tried the Maternity Alliance (if you google them you should be able to find their website). They specifically deal with employment rights and were really helpful when I had a dispute with my former employer (a lot more knowlegeable than my Union Rep on the specifics)

you could try wigandrobe- she's in the lega business....???

Thanks guys- how do i contact her?

just start a thread with a subject line of "calling wigandrobe" or something so when she's around she'll see it. hope you can sort something out xxx

Thanks Tammybear - good luck with the job x

thanks xxx

I'll pop back later to see is wigandrobe is about.

Thanks guys - its great knowing other peeps are about x

When were you supposed to have started back at work after the extended maternity leave? I think you should make a formal request for flexible working using the info at the DTI website here .

When you write to your employer, make your request as 'open' as possible ie set out the problem you have with returning to your previous terms and conditions and ask them to consider your application to work more flexibly to overcome the problem and give them your preferred option(s) but emphasis that you are open to discuss the matter to reach a solution which is acceptable to both parties.

I am not sure if the above approach is still open to you or whether your employer has definately dismissed you - if it is the latter, you need to get legal advice quickly. I would recommend that you see an employment lawyer (ie a specialist in employment law not a family lawyer), or, if there is one in your area, an employment lawyer in a local law centre. If you live or work in a borough with a law centre you should be entitled to use their services. Alternatively, find out when the employment specialist is in at the citizen's advice bureau and go and see her/him.

I think a really good first place to call is the maternity alliance - they are hugely overstretched, but they really know their stuff and are extremely support to women in these situations - sadly, there are too many women in a similar situation.

Thanks sis i will look into those x

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