Advice & Support

Responsibilities taken away on return to work: ask the expert

There has been restructuring whilst I am on maternity leave. I was asked if I wanted a new role which was similar to the one I held previously (this was additional responsibilities to my main role). I said that I would accept this if I had to return to work full time (as I was going through a flexible working appeal). My appeal was refused. Then during informal discussions it was verbally agreed that I could return part time for one year and someone else would do my additional responsibilities and I would then pick them up after the agreed part time period.
Days later I was told that I couldn't return part time so I assumed that I would return full time with the additional responsibilities, as I had previously agreed to. In a subsequent meeting I was told, in an off the cuff remark, that my additional responsibilities had been given to someone else. At the time I didn't say anything as I was still negotiating for a part-time return. However, now I have been told that I have to return full time and someone else is currently doing my additional responsibilities. I am not happy that I am returning on the same contract eg full time,
but my management role has been taken away from me-  even if it is only for a year (and to be honest, I am not sure that I trust this would be the case!). I have had 12 months maternity. Can I refuse to have my responsibility taken away from me, given that I said I wanted to keep it if I returned full time?

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Back to work after 10 years: ask the expert

I've been (and still am) a mummy of 3 and have not worked for over 10 years.  Sadly I'm now divorced and I've got to do something to make ends meet.  I've recently started in a network marketing group, but I'm finding it not really my scene, although I will perserve, at my own pace, with it.  I used to work in the insurance industry and am happy to go back to that, however, I've got to juggle work with the children.  Childcare is incredibly expensive and I'm not prepared to work in order just to pay a childminder/nanny.  I've tried to write my cv, but can't find much to put on it any more - I can't expand on my working skills from 10 years ago, other than being the editor of the NCT magazine for a couple of years, that's about it.  I'm prepared to go back to college, however, what use is that in today's climate, as a new qualification won't necessarily be worth it without experience.  I'd be grateful for any comments or recommendations, pointers that you can give me!  Many thanks.

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Changing return to work date: ask the expert

I have written to my employer stating I will return to work in September. Can I withdraw this date and take the rest of my due maternity leave?  I have also asked to reduce my hours which they have declined without a valid reason other than 'staff restrictions'.  The staff situation is the exact same as it was when I went on leave and there was never a problem before with me normally completing my required duties well within the time given so I don't see that finishing one hour earlier per day is going to cause any significant concerns.  I know I can appeal this and I am considering doing so, but I don't know where to start.  The main thing I need to know, though, is can I withdraw my return to work date and also if I decide not to go back where do I stand in terms of statutory maternity pay that I have received. Should this be paid back? Please help!

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Back to work after three years: ask the expert

I have been out of work for three years and before that I worked in a food shop. I really want to get back to work into something new, but don't know how I'm going to work and learn something new without getting a wage that will pay childcare and bills.  My partner works full time and I'm a stay-at-home mum.  What advice do you have for me and what would I have to pay if I had to go to college?  I have two boys aged three and nearly one. I feel I would (just about) cope putting them into full-time nursery to benefit our family as a whole.

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How do I get a job with no recent references: ask the expert

I have been a stay-at-home mother for eight years.  In the past year I have been looking to get back to work.  Most jobs want at least two references from past jobs which are hard for me to get as I have been out of work so long.  I went for a cleaning job and the woman wanted references that I could not provide No reference, no job; no job, no reference.  Any ideas?

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Related tags: Return to work