I work as a Chartered Surveyor for the MoD and work in Germany I have recently returned to work from 26 weeks Mat Leave. During my leave, maternity cover was saught which started in April and I returned to work May 09. The person selected was told that i would not return for at least a year (not the case) and based on this took the job. I was called to a meeting to discuss my post a month before my return date to be told that I would be heading up a different area as I Should be on ‘light duties’!! My agreement to the change was based on having it in writing and that my position would not be weakened should I accept. I recieved the Job description upon my return without any consultation there are a number of areas that are not the same and its much of a lesser role, I have objected to some of the changes I have spoken our HR professionals who suggest I go for a grievence (not worth the paper work). I feel totally sidelined I no longer manage staff I have been given a bigger part of the estate to manage from an impossible position which means lots of travel and my position within the office has been dramatically reduced.

Before mat leave, I covered the whole of Europe, my boss was absent from the office 80% of the time so I covered his role and I managed 6 staff locally and oversaw 6 others. A senior manager asked why did i accept the position and retort was that I felt I had little choice as the decission had been made! The person employed to cover my mat leave is now responsible for this role…..

Thanks