Returned to work and not doing my job... is this illegal?

[eeliz96]

So I'm not really sure where I stand on this... and there's some unusual circumstances around it.
I returned to work after maternity leave on 05/12/23. Whilst I was on leave, my manager covered my work and I was told there was no point handing my job back over to me when I came back, as we had the Christmas break coming up and it would be better to start in the new year - which I agreed with. I started doing administrative duties for the office instead.
New Year comes, and my manager has a personal emergency which meant he wasn't in work much for a few weeks, therefore unable to train me - which I completely understand.
However we are now into February, my manager is regularly in work and back into his daily duties, but there has been no talk of doing a handover for my job, he just keeps giving me more admin stuff. I'm horrifically bored, hate coming to work, I'm paying for my daughter to go to nursery so that I can come to a job that I hate and that isn't even my job!! I'm wondering is it against any sort of legislation for me not to be doing my job after returning from maternity??
As a side note, my manager made a passing comment (when explaining how processes have changed) and said my job now only takes about 4 hours a week... so I'm also wondering if he's just going to bump me off!

How long did you take for maternity leave?

https://www.acas.org.uk/your-maternity-leave-pay-and-other-rights/returning-to-work-after-having-a-baby

It depends on how long you were off

So your manager has managed to reduce a full-time job to 4 hours per week? Even with automation and machine learning that's quite an accomplishment!

I'd probably look for another job tbh as even if you get your old work back it does sound like you're being primed to continue with the admin you're not enjoying.

I took 12 months, then used my annual leave up which I'd accrued on my time off. My maternity ended on 23/10/23 and then my annual leave took me through to 5/12/23.

pretty much! I was a very demanding job when I started and just before I went on maternity, but they've now changed a lot of the processes and a lot of the work I did sits with other departments

Is it finance?

If you have took a full year off they don't need to hold your exact job open for you. Just one of similar benefits - hours and salary etc. I don't think they have breached maternity law.

@Fallenangelofthenorth It's not finance, I work in production planning. I'm in a team of 4 people plus my manager.

@MadeForThis Thank you - I've technically still got my job as I've not had a title change, pay change or benefits change. Think I'll be looking for a new job though!

they've now changed a lot of the processes and a lot of the work I did sits with other departments

That sounds like your function was essential and that was what they needed to do in your absence. If you took more than 26 weeks of maternity, this could fall under the heading of "significant changes" in the organisation so while they are obliged to offer you A job with the same pay, hours, terms, etc. they wouldn't be obliged to give you your exact role back.

They don't have to give your exact job back, they just have to offer something comparable and generally that means same salary. It sounds like the company has reorganised in your absence, perhaps a frank discussion on your future in the company? Would you take voluntary redundancy if offered?