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Original poster

Change of jobs going back to work

10 replies

Duvetday19 · 27/04/2023 16:34

Soo, I went for a meeting with my work to discuss my return date also my flexible working request to go part time for a short period.

My manager kept his wording clever by saying I can keep my job but considering you're part time, handovers would be a pain and the girl who was my maternity is now a permanent member of the team so it would make more sense if I did XYZ..

This new position is a demotion if you ask me but obviously they know not to decrease my salary or they would be in deep waters. I'd basically be a proof reader. Much less responsibility and actually I know they were trying to get an apprentice to do the same job.

Logistically, I know it makes sense to keep my maternity cover doing my previous job if she can do full time but manager is making out he's doing me a favour by giving me this part time position.

With other people I would know how to advise but with myself I don't. Waiting for DP to come home so we can have a glass of wine 🍷 and discuss.

As I said, very clever with working he has said I can go back to my other job but I know myself it will disrupt the dynamic but can't see how this is my problem! Should I take this further?

OP posts:
Alvinne · 27/04/2023 16:40

Feels risky, like they'll engineer a way to make you redundant once your maternity leave is a more distant memory and despite the clever wording from your manager it sounds clearly like a demotion so you could have a case for discrimination.

Some useful information here: https://www.theguardian.com/careers/2017/mar/23/are-you-being-replaced-how-to-deal-with-maternity-discrimination

I'd probably speak to Pregnant then Screwed or an solicitor with expertise in employment law

Are you being replaced? How to deal with maternity discrimination

Love it or loathe it, BBC drama The Replacement addressed the job insecurity many women on maternity leave face, here’s how to cope if you feel forced out

https://www.theguardian.com/careers/2017/mar/23/are-you-being-replaced-how-to-deal-with-maternity-discrimination#:~:text=An%20employer%20preferring%20the%20maternity,positions%20or%20go%20for%20interviews.

Greenfairydust · 27/04/2023 16:54

I agree with the above. It could be a way to make you redundant sooner than later.

Scottishskifun · 27/04/2023 17:57

So it depends how long you have had off for maternity if 6 months or less then no they have to give you your old job back it doesn't matter if your maternity cover is now a permanent member of the team or not.

After that they have to offer you similar grade job same pay. Personally I would go read the pregnancy then screwed website for information and state that your job can be done part time!

Original poster
Duvetday19 · 27/04/2023 20:59

@Alvinne Thanks, I will contact Pregnant then Screwed HR advice tomorrow.

I did get some discrimination while pregnant such as being removed from a health and safety course and it given to a brand new employer, had comments on my eating habits, comments on my "vulnerability" meaning some co workers couldn't come into the office- meant in a snarky way but brushed off as banter by director, Christmas party there was comments on my drinking and if I was breast feeding, I wasn't but none of her business and also asked to come back to work but to work for my maternity pay also by directors.

I know I need to tell an advisor but just getting it out there as today's meeting has been the icening on the cake!

OP posts:
Aprilx · 28/04/2023 07:05

I will go against the grain here, but I am not sure I understand your complaint. The role you had prior to maternity was full time, it is still full time, you don’t want to do it full time so something else has been offered for the hours you want to work, presumably you can turn this down.

I actually think that your manager has been nice. If they only had a full time role available and you didn’t want it, then it would be reasonable for them to accept your resignation. They don’t need to make you redundant down the line, they could say it is full time or nothing right now and accept your resignation if you don’t want the FT job. You do know that it is not a right to go part time after maternity leave?

Original poster
Duvetday19 · 28/04/2023 07:34

@Aprilx I don't agree. I do have every right to go part time and request so. Before I went on maternity it was discussed I would be coming back part time for a max of 6 months to suit childcare needs which was met with no problems. I am within my rights to request just as they would be in rights to refuse, for good reason. My maternity cover was made permanent in my role long before I was due to come back which isn't right. I don't see how offering me a demotion is fair on my career that I worked hard for before becoming pregnant. Plus they have accepted my flexible request before I have accepted the demotion.

OP posts:
Original poster
Duvetday19 · 28/04/2023 07:37

@Aprilx Also, I don't blame my manager he is obviously doing what is asked of him and trying to logistically do what's best for the company but I won't take a 6 month demotion and leave a gap in my career when I don't have to.

OP posts:
Aprilx · 28/04/2023 07:40

Duvetday19 · 28/04/2023 07:34

@Aprilx I don't agree. I do have every right to go part time and request so. Before I went on maternity it was discussed I would be coming back part time for a max of 6 months to suit childcare needs which was met with no problems. I am within my rights to request just as they would be in rights to refuse, for good reason. My maternity cover was made permanent in my role long before I was due to come back which isn't right. I don't see how offering me a demotion is fair on my career that I worked hard for before becoming pregnant. Plus they have accepted my flexible request before I have accepted the demotion.

You have every right to request part time. But you do not have an employment right to go part time. I have not said you don’t have a right to request part time and am quite baffled as to why you think I have.

HyuNis · 28/04/2023 08:04

I'm not an expert in any of this but it sounds risky to take the other job role they're offering if you only need part time for 6 months. That will pass really quick and then you're shortly going to be full time in an unfulfilling role.
Is there any way you can go back full time from the start? What do you think their response will be if you say you've reconsidered and will come back full time to your existing post?

Original poster
Duvetday19 · 28/04/2023 08:12

HyuNis · 28/04/2023 08:04

I'm not an expert in any of this but it sounds risky to take the other job role they're offering if you only need part time for 6 months. That will pass really quick and then you're shortly going to be full time in an unfulfilling role.
Is there any way you can go back full time from the start? What do you think their response will be if you say you've reconsidered and will come back full time to your existing post?

It isn't possible at the moment to go back full time so isn't an option at the moment. I could refuse the job of course and say I would like my old job working along side my maternity cover but I just know it will cause friction. I just got the vibe its not what they want.

My options are to take the job they offer, seek other employment or refuse the offer and say I would like my job back and face any consequences that might come with that and end up being unemployed..

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