Returned early from maternity leave and still not given my role back

[WorkInACity]

Bit of an awkward situation, so I originally was supposed to be on maternity leave until the end of September but returned early due to financial issues.
I've been back for a couple of months and have been told my maternity cover is contracted to work until December, she is basically picking up all of my work and I'm still being used as cover for a different position as my other colleague is on sick leave and has been since I came back, so I don't have much to do as she was part time so has a lighter workload.

I work full time and this is starting to grate on my nerves now.. I returned just before AML kicked in so at 6 months. Is there any point complaining and asking for my work to be handed back or do I just suck it up for 2 more months while still being used as cover as I've only got to put up with it until then.
Also my colleague on sick leave could return any week so then I'd literally have nothing to do.

Thanks.

This is entirely a question of what you’re entitled to, can you ask acas? They will probably want to know how much notice you gave for your early return.

Well I'm not sure what they can do as they expected you to be off until December, do you want them to sack your cover, move them to another role?

I think they are being reasonable. They contracted someone to cover for 12 months I assume. They’ve found something for you to do. Just be thankful that you are easing into work, if you’ve got capacity tell them - take the initiative!

I guess my question is because I gave 8 weeks notice of an early return surely they should have prepared for my return and popped me back into my role while keeping the fixed term cover on as an additional cover.
Rather than using me as cover? Hope that makes sense.

Would the cover know how to do the other work? I’m guessing no point training them on something new if they are leaving soon.

That's a good point I didn't consider, they have been used to cover different areas and worked here before as a permanent member of staff so I don't think it would be a problem.

Op you have the lawful right to return to your original role.

The mat cover should have their contract terminated or they need to be the floating resource.

I suspect whoever wrote the mat cover contract didnt put a clause in re: ending the fixed term early, however thats not your problem.

Of course, employers rely on maternity returners not wanting to kick up a fuss in these situations, or having no idea what their rights are.

If you were out for less than 6 months, you have a right to return to the same role you left:

https://www.gov.uk/employee-rights-when-on-leave

No they are not. They are breaking the law. OP has the right to return to her original role, not be shoved into some other role until her maternity cover leaves.