Returning to Work After Maternity Leave

[browneyedgirl2009]

Hi

I'm hoping that someone can help me. I'm going to be taking a total of 7 - 8 months maternity leave and I realise that my employer only needs to keep my current job open for the period of ordinary maternity leave, but what happens with regards to my job when I return after additional maternity leave?

I'm a little concerned because I currently work four days a week but my employer is hinting that it may not be possible for them to accommodate this four day week job when I return and I could have to work full-time. I obviously don't want to do this. Is it OK for them to change my working hours when I return?

They're not employing anyone to cover my role whilst I'm on maternity leave. They are employing someone in a lower role and the other members of the team are having to take on more responsibility and some of my tasks.

Thanks for your help

No they can't change your working hours. You are right that you are not entitled to return to the exact same job if you go back later than 6 months, if this is not practical. But you are entitled to return to something suitable for you on no less favourable terms and conditions. Your current terms and conditions are 4 days a week so the new job would have to be that, with your pay also staying the same.

The fact that you've been on mat leave doesn't mean your employer has any more right to change your hours than they would for anyone else.

Thanks for getting back to me. I thought that was the case but wasn't 100% sure.

www.direct.gov.uk/en/Parents/Moneyandworkentitlements/WorkAndFamilies/Pregnancyandmaternityri ghts/DG_065153