Returning to work after maternity leave

Hi, If an employee has worked full time for approx 2 years, then goes on maternity leave and requests to return to work on a part time basis (2 or 3 days per week) am i obliged to offer this person part time work even though it doesn't suit the company? Thanks.

bluebell said:

Hi, If an employee has worked full time for approx 2 years, then goes on maternity leave and requests to return to work on a part time basis (2 or 3 days per week) am i obliged to offer this person part time work even though it doesn't suit the company? Thanks.

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No.

You would have obligations to let the person take parental leave, but you can oblige the person to take it in a block, rather than 2-3 days per week

thanks for the quick reply. this employee hasn't requested parental leave at all. she has requested that she move from a full time position to a part time position on a permanent basis. this does not suit the company so what are my rights as the employee? am i legally obliged to make her aware of her right to take parental leave or is it up to her to know this information?
thanks

why would you not tell her she can take parental leave?

Bluebell, she is entitled to 14 weeks parental leave if she has been working for you for more than one year. I presume this is the case. She can take 14 weeks off and then hand in her notice. Then she can claim her holiday pay for those 14 weeks (about 5 days) plus her bank holidays. Then she can leave. She would have to be a pretty cynical person to do this. I have never experienced it but it is possible.
If part time doesn't suit your company, and I would try to make it suit if this person is good at her job and/or has been with you a long time, then don't offer it.