redundancy whilst on maternity leave

[little h]

Hello all

I'm on materntity leave and am at the moment due to return to work in January (I'm a marketing manager). A couple of days ago I was told that my role has been 'identified as being at risk of redundancy'. I have been made redundant before so this is not all new to me unfortunately, but I wondered if anyone has been made redundant whilst on maternity leave and could share any advice. If anyone has an employment lawyer they could suggest then I need one pronto as I can't get hold of the one I used last time (a shame as she was brilliant). I have an initial consultation on Tuesday so don't have much time.

Trying to view this in a positive light but not feeling very sparkly at the moment!

thanks people :-)

Hx

[iaineasy]

Poor you, it sounds like a bit of a rouse to get you out because you've had a baby and the necessary time off work,that can't be legalin this day and age I know nothing about law but would like to wish you good luck.

[EmmaCC]

I can put you in touch with a colleague who does employment law...have sent you a PM.

[little h]

thanks, its more complicated than that (as these things usually are) but thanks for your good wishes :-)

[alfie]

I've PM'd you with the name of the woman I used in a similar situation... A

[ludoscotts]

hi I was made redundant whilst on mat leave 2 years ago now. What did you want to know. I didnt have to use a lawyer etc but was paid what I was due- eventually!!! but did get all of my money. let me know if there is anything you want to ask, so sorry you might have to go through this too, leanne

[Shrub]

I was in the same situation and my case was handled very well by Kiran Daurka at Russell, Jones and Walker, http://www.rjw.co.uk/our-team/kiran-daurka. For what it's worth, I enjoyed my extended time at home with my son much more once I wasn't worrying about how to juggle work and parenting. And, eventually, I have found work that fits in around me and my family. So for me, redundancy was a sort of blessing in disguise.

Good luck!

[Mrs TP]

Little H - could you please tell me which solicitor you used in the end and what happened (PM if you prefer). I was phoned today whilst on mat leave and also told my job is one of 10 at risk of redundancy and that we are now beginning a consultation phase for staff to provide feed-back on proposed restructuring and redundancies. I have recently put in a request for flexible working and had a meeting at work to discuss this last week and they are supposed to come back to me with a decision by Friday. When I asked how this affected my request I was told that it was irrelevant as my job no longer exists - that doesn't sound like consultation or 'at risk' to me but more like a forgone conclusion.

Any other comments welcome.

[ClareC]

Have you found an employment lawyer? I am a lawyer (not employment) but do have a couple of friends who specialise in that area who I can put you in touch with if you have yet to instruct.

C

[little h]

Hi Mrs TP

just to let you know I'm officially redundant now, but I'll send you a private message with a few more details. I did have several really helpful replies about all of this via this forum too.

Helen

[Mrs TP]

Thanks to all for comments and advice. My union (Unite) is being fantastically helpful and I am happy with their suggested ways forward.

All v. draining but on the plus side the stress is helping me shed those last few pounds of baby weight!