LRD guides and handbook September 2016

Supporting pregnant workers - a union reps guide

Chapter 6

Returning after additional maternity or adoption leave

[ch 6: page 65]

Someone returning from additional maternity or adoption leave has less comprehensive but still powerful rights. They have the right to return to exactly the same job. But if it was not reasonably practicable for the employer to keep the job open for them, they have the right to return to another suitable and appropriate alternative job, on terms and conditions that are no less favourable than if they had not gone on maternity or adoption leave. Their seniority and pension rights must be unaffected.