If you are with the same employer, then you will have 10 years of unbroken service.
Would I be correct in assuming that you were seconded to cover the maternity post on a temporary contract basis at an enhancement on your previous pay? If so, then your original post or one at the same level should be available for you to revert to.
If that post has disappeared then the company will need to revert to a consultation process and issue you with an "at risk" letter.
Ultimately, if there is no position available for you, then they would have to pay you redundancy.
Hiya. No, I wasnt seconded. I applied for the mat cover as it was in my area of expertise (my old bosses role) and did receive a pay rise. I was given the option of leaving my old role open but I had done it for 4yrs and wanted the change so I told them they could fill it permanently instead of just for 12 months so I could just walk back into it after my old boss returned from her maternity leave.
Some might say that was a mistake...and it looks as if it was. However, it was the right decision at the time as I'd seen every mat cover in my (at the time) 9yrs service, move onto something better at the end of the mat cover when the person they were covering returned.
Whilst I'm not the top of my profession, I'm certain I'm well thought of amongst senior leaders. A couple had also commented that I had done well and was brave in taking a mat cover and that I would be fine at the end of it.
Along comes coronavirus to completely change the outlook. That's the story really.
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