Can you recommend an employment lawyer?

[Missjojo]

After a year of maternity leave my return to work discussions have turned into redundancy consultation, so I'm keen to get some advice to make sure I'm in the best legal position possible. Can you recommend anyone? Thx

[dnjc99]

Try ACAS: http://www.acas.org.uk

They are free and offer good advice (whole sections on redundancy: http://www.acas.org.uk/index.aspx?articleid=1611) . Having been on both sides of the table dealing with redundancy I would say that you should keep an open mind, you may be involved because you have to be and your employer has no intention of selecting you (of course it is supposed to be impartial but it never is....). but has to include you so as not to be accused of bias.

Good luck!

[missyelliott]

I am in the middle of a 30 day consultation process Myself. On mat leave as well. Fun isnt it! Not

Acas are good and the maternity action org have heaps of info on their site. Have they offered you a 'suitable' alternative role?

[Goodliz]

I used Halliwells 9 years ago when I was going through the same thing. The employer paid for it as it was part of the deal. Good luck.

[esme]

Anthony Gold on Walworth Road are excellent

[kemurf]

There are usually some interesting threads on mumsnet about this; it happens to lots of mums following maternity leave unfortunately, and you may get some good tips here.

Are you aware of your legal rights? See here for entitlements: https://www.gov.uk/search?q=Redundancy

But do speak to ACAS. Ensure you have a copy of your contract or documentation about your most recent changes to your terms and conditions of employment. What other roles are in consultation in the company?

[kemurf]

Interesting article in The Guardian today; 'one in seven women are made redundant after maternity leave'

http://www.guardian.co.uk/law/2013/mar/09/women-on-maternity-leave-illegal-discrimation

Also gives the name of a group to contact, 'Maternity Action'.