Assumptions are very dangerous especially when they involve money! I hear from too many women who realise during their maternity leave that they haven’t been given the full story regarding their rights. This may be about notice periods, flexible working or what job they come back to.
its pretty confusing with all the changes to conditions and leave which were made earlier this year. therefore taking advice from a lawyer is sensible and to do it early. Many law firms act for companies so have a conflict of interest. In a small city like Edinburgh this can mean contacting 20 firms until you find one who will advise you which happened to client of mine last year. it meant she ran out of time to appeal so even though her employer was in the wrong she couldnt do many thing about it.
I take advice from Ros @ MMS who have supplied this document. http://emailinfo.mms.co.uk/go.asp?/mNPYAR8/e/bMMS001/cutf%2D8
Do contact me if you need any further advice on what you should know and the first steps in asserting your rights.
For leaflets on maternity rights & parental leave download them from maternity action website http://www.maternityaction.org.uk/id28.html