Redundancy or crap job

[Unlucky41]

Hi Ladies,

When I left for maternity leave the v team restructured my role saying when I return they will help me find another role within the firm.

Last week I was told there is another big restructure and the onlyrole they can offer me is to relieve a lady going on maternity leave. The role is not only a junior role but have to report to someone more junior. I thought this was ridiculous but I kept it all within me.

It is like mothers going back to work is a burden to the company so to comply with regulations give you something crap so eventually you will get the idea and leave. Being there for eight years I am very unhappy and had a lot of sleepless nights.

What would you do? I guess it is hard to go back into the workforce straight from maternity leave but my resume won't look good as the last role is a junior one!

 

[HoneyBee144]

Could you afford to give up work? Even temporarily to look for something else? If you can afford to give up work then I'd say do it but if you cant you may have to stick it out till you can find another job.

I don't think it should be a problem on your resume as you didn't choose that role, it was out of your control due to restructure and you were working above that role before so can show you are capable.

 

[RaspberryK]

Did they follow correct procedures etc?
I'd phone ACAS and take them to tribunal if they have selected you due to being on maternity leave.
Did you get anything in writing?
Xx

 

[Unlucky41]

Hmm we can afford me but working if we lived off bare minium but I like the idea of buying my baby things whenever I want them relying on dh for handouts.

Hmm they told me about the restructure before I left but assured me conditions are getting better hence I should be ok!

Nothing in writing everything word of mouth. So not motivated to work!

 

[RaspberryK]

Are you in the UK? Xx

 

[mummyruston]

Speak to ACAS.

Regardless of being advised prior to maternity leave or that there is a restructure going on - I'm sure you are entitled to return to 'A' job similar to that of what you left in responsibility, seniority and pay.

I'd consider redundancy if it's a decent pay off - spend more time with your child, make the cash last and look for something else more suited to your skills, experience and what you'd be happy doing. Returning to a mediocre job that you dont like after maternity would be rubbish and you'd feel demotivated, unchallenged and would prob leave in the end and move elsewhere - without a pay off and be miserable in the short term...

 

[sarah34]

It doesn't sound like the role they have offered you is a suitable alternative. I would discuss this with them and say that you do not consider it to be a suitable alternative therefore in your eyes your role is redundant. Providing you have been employed for more than 2 years you will be entitled to redundancy pay in addition to holiday pay and notice pay. I work in HR so if you have any questions send me a message x

 

[kanga]

Unfortunately you've got it right. I worked for a big 4 accountancy firm for 8 years and was given the crap work when I went back and finally took the hint after my second round of mat leave. It's a sad but true fact that in some careers, there is no place for a p/t parent who cares about something other than their job.

I would have thought they would have to offer you something at the same level though?

 

[Unlucky41]

Unfortunately in Australia the job market for accountants is very bad. They are all getting relocated to India or the Phillipines.

Yes I would have expected the role to be my level but I hope it means I can work 9 to 5. The working culture is that we work around the clock and they wonder why there are so few ladies. The ladies that makes it are the ones with house husbands or have nannies. Very sad.

 

[lauraemily17]

I voluntarily took a step down when I returned from mat leave first time, giving up my senior manager post that I was extremely proud to have achieved at a young age. However, in stepping down I can work part time and am a lot less stressed. I now have a wonderful work life balance. The role I do now is still management but junior, however I'm still given a lot of responsibility & respect across the business so haven't found it as hard as I expected. (My pride was not happy initially) I still hope to go back to senior management but for now my priority is my children & spending time with them while they're little.

Perhaps the new role you've been offered could be a blessing in disguise?

 

[Unlucky41]

Thanks Lauraemily that sounds like want I need to do. You can't have everything eh? I have to think of the benefits. My mate at work said I can do 9 to 4 and have coffee catch ups. I really don't it as they are trying to get me to go back earlier as they are really busy. I guess that is what happens when you never replace people when they leave!