To take another secondment while already on a secondment?

[windingpaths]

Hi,
Looking for advice. I am on a 23 month secondment due to end in January. I am then due to go back to my permanent role which is less pay and a lower position. I have been encouraged to apply for new position coming up which is a much higher position, would be great for my career and a huge increase in salary. However, this new position would be a one year secondment which means it would go very the two years of my permanent role which then does not entitle me to return to it. It is very likely that the one year for the new role (if I got it) would be extended but ultimately there is no guarantee. WWYD?

Sorry mean it would 'go over the two years' not 'very'.

Go for it. If you don't get it no harm done and good experience- go back to original job and keep looking for other opportunities. If you do get it and it's not made permanent it's still a year of experience in the higher role and higher salary and something else will come up!

Thank you for the very positive response 😊

I think if the only reason for not doing it is because you lose your substantive role then that is not a great reason. It’s likely that you will have outgrown your substantive role and be looking anyway, so and additional year of higher graded experience will help you in your onwards career journey.

Go for it. I suspect that you'll be ready for a new role anyway when you return. The only downside to these is getting used to the higher salaries.

Why are you not entitled to return to your substantive post after the end if a second secondment?

There is no legal reason, your employer should let you do this? If you are being covered by somebody on a fixed term contract they can just extend it, though it will give the employee employment rights if employed for 2+ years.

Interesting, I will call HR and ask the question. Thank you!