Help with back to work rights after maternity leave

[Kerry539]

Hi everyone,

I'm trying to find an answer to my question but it seems rather hard so if any of you can answer it would be much appreciated.

I work in a factory on a 3 shift system.
There are 3 shifts doing earlys lates and nights alternitavely.

My hr department recently told me they didn't have to hold my particular job open as long as they hold one open with the same salary.

Looking at the company maternity policy today it states they have to leave my exact job open for me.

However I am wondering if they are able to move me to a different shift as it would be the same job just on a different shift. I don't want to move shifts as I am happy with the people I work with and know there will be confrontation if they were to move me.

Does anyone know if my exact job means on my same shift or are they able to move me.

Thanks

 

[My_First]

Maternity leave takes two tranches; ordinary maternity leave and additional maternity leave, 26 week each. If, for example, you decide to only take ordinary maternity leave, legally you are entitled to return to the same jobs, same terms etc. if however you've take the full period off (ie 52 weeks), if your job is still available you are legally entitled to it, or one of no less favourable terms and conditions. This is the statutory minimum they can offer you.

If your original contract of employment states those shifts, then yes you will return to same terms and conditions.

I do edit, however, to ask whether your company can ask you to move shifts generally anyway? As if they can then yes they could ask you to change shifts. If it states that that's your shift and it can't be changed unless it's by you in your contract then there isn't much that can be done.