Mat leave promotion

[MrsDoubtfire3000]

Went on Mat leave last year. Instead of temporary contract Mat leave cover, my role was filled by someone on a permanent contract, as I was told that when I returned, I would be receiving a promotion, due to a colleague planning to retire during my Mat leave.

I am due to return in a couple of months and have now been told that I will have to apply for the promotion.

What are my rights here, if my application was not successful? Many conversations about the promotion were had with multiple people but nothing in writing (I tried many times but was told no need etc)

Any advice welcomed - thanks

I don't think you have a leg to stand on if you don't have written confirmation.

If there's a process where it's standard to apply for a promotion, why wouldn't you have to? Unless nobody has ever been asked to apply for a promotion previously I think you might just have to accept it.

I'm not in HR.

Yep I accept I’ll need to apply, I’m just concerned about the fact that my original job has now been filled permanently.

How long have you been on mat leave OP, that has an impact on protections afforded to you. Also, have they told you what would happen in the event that you didn’t get the promotion, seeing as they’ve filled your role?!

If you were to not get the role they have to offer you have another one.
I'm not HR but sure this is the case.

They also may just need you to apply to follow proper protocols and for no one to say it's unfair you've just walked into it.

Been on Mat leave since April - going back end of May. I have asked that very question, still awaiting an answer! I have a call later today

"More than 26 weeks' maternity leave is called 'additional maternity leave' under the law.

If you use additional maternity leave, you still have the right to return to your job on the same terms as before you left. But if it's not possible because there have been significant changes to the organisation, you could be offered a similar job.

In this case, the job cannot be on worse terms than before."

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