Potential pay reduction when returning to work after Mat Leave

[SmudgeyGeorge]

Hi all,

I'm hoping someone may be able to shed some light on this please. I will be returning to work in February after Mat leave. Before going on leave my position was 'Customer Service Manager' and I worked full time, Monday - Friday.

I will be returning to work part time (3 days a week - my choice), and because of this both myself and my employer have agreed i would not be able to fulfil this job role as required, on a part time basis. We spoke about other duties I could fulfil when I return and both agreed these is still lots I can do within the company.

When I asked if my salary would stay the same and just reflect the new hours I will be working, I was advised that as I would be stepping down/away from my previous managerial position it is likely there would be a reduction in my salary to match my new job role.

I just want to check if this is actually allowed? If not, can anyone point me anywhere that states this so I have some hard evidence as back up?

Thanks in advance! X

If you agree to take on a different role then, yes, they can pay you a different salary based on the new role and it's job description.

If you don't want to take on the new role as it pays less, you should be allowed to return to your previous role.

I’m not an HR pro but this does sound right. You’re not able to fulfil the role so you’re stepping down. I don’t think they can pay manager salary for a non manager role as it’s not fair on others?

hopefully someone more experienced can help?

Pregnant and screwed are probably the best place to get an answer.

I think the fact you want to change your hours, and accept that means a role reduction means they can reduce the salary. I think the protection kicks in if they tell you your role is no longer available, so you need to return as "non manager". But my knowledge is ld, and you need to get current advice.

Yes.

you are choosing a different role in order to go part time.

if you were returning to your old role your salary would be protected

HR pro here….. yes, this is allowed (and entirely appropriate). Your old job was available to you and you agree you can’t fulfil it, so they have agreed to find you suitable alternative employment. They didn’t have to do that tbh. You do not have a statutory right to a protected salary, as the change is initiated by your request, not by your employer. X

Thank you everyone!! I also should have also said I was given that salary via a payrise - before the title was given to me (I wasnt employed in that role, I just sort of become it over time). Im sure that doesn't make a difference but thank you all the same 🥰

In a nutshell, yes.

Returning up to 6 months of maternity leave, you have a right to your exact job back.

Returning after over 6 months away, you have the right to return to your exact job if it exists, or a suitable job on the same pay and conditions if not.

If you ask to modify your work pattern using a flexible working request, and it's justified that you can't fulfil your current role in the new hours, and they can't accommodate a job share, then you have a choice of working full time, or taking a different job. If the different job is of a lower grade, then it will attract less pay.