Returning to work from maternity leave and job no longer available

Im due to return bk to work in June frm Maternity leave was working 20hrs over 5 days previous and fully prepared to do the same on my return, they had a temp in to cover me (bosses mate frm the pub who had a bit of office experience!) received a letter yesterday saying that as business was slow they could only offer and afford me 10 hrs pw over 5 days. obv this is not financially benefical for me but they have kept this other guy on but given him another job title. Its a small office with only me doing the paperwork etc so I cant see what other job could of been crerated for this guy. Anyway I know that business is doing ok and this is just their ploy to get me out. What do i do, do i have any rights :-(

Sounds dodgy alright. If the new guy is been given full hours and he is basically doing your job, then say it to the boss. ring the citizens advice people before you do and get the facts straight. If you want to get the nitty gritty on the company you can look up their trading details on the web on various sites. That will give you clear proof that the boss is up to something.

I hope you don't write letters for your current employer! Your post is very hard to read.

Is there anyone in your place of work that you can call to find out that is actually happening? Have you spoken to your boss yet?

You have plenty of rights.
You are entitled to return to the same position on the same terms. If there is any reason this cannot happen, then you are entitled to return to a position at a similar level on the same terms and conditions.

Here's the webpage which you might like to share with your employer:
http://www.citizensinformation.ie/e...tions/leave_and_holidays/maternity_leave.html

Hahaha I do apologise! I had to leave the house so only had five mins to post my question. Thats also why it was so brief.

Yes I have had contact with my boss, after I received the letter from him regarding my hours I sent him an email rejecting the new proposed hours and told him that my rights are to return on the same terms as I had before.
His reply to this was that the company cannot afford to take me back for 20 hrs pw.

I also forgot to mention in my last post that I job share with another colleague who is also on maternity leave. I had spoken with the new guy last week and he told me business was steady, which i knew anyway.

I work for a team of Financial Advisors so not just some dodgy company!

So now whats the next step he obviously just wants me to resign.

Consider going to a good employment rights solicitor. Friend is using one at the moment.