Thanks BL99, best of luck to you too .. Such a shame, that we can't concentrate on our kids, but fight sexist employers! .. Have a good weekend

Thank you so much, Batsneedfriends that is a great idea! ..have a great weekend ..

Good luck Karin 1979. I spoke to a lot of different lawyers, ACAS and some legal advice helplines. I can't stress enough how useful it was to get everyone's recommendations. I've now instructed a lawyer to send a formal response to my employer.

Good God almighty, another one.

Seriously, just how entrenched is this?

I am writing to Ashby Cohen to ask them if they would be interested in producing a post here - 'Redundant while on maternity leave? What your employer can and can't do'.

Oh dear - thank you for this post, I have just received a letter from my employer, not nice at all! Will use the suggestions above to get some advice ... I knew that was coming as my boss being female was far from supportive when I requested an year off with baby 2, after only taking 8 weeks with no one, 3 years ago!! Oh well, hope I have a case ...

Have sent you a private message.

Also, I found ACAS to be absolutely brilliant - and completely free. http://www.acas.org.uk/index.aspx?articleid=1611

I couldn't agree more. After doing research, it appears to happen a lot and companies obviously get away with it. I've been given a lot of conflicting legal advice so far, ranging from don't threaten with lawyers to sue them for sexual discrimination and unfair dismissal. I'm really unsure as to what to do. I should be enjoying my maternity leave instead!

You know what's really shocking about this? That this question of redundancy during maternity leave just comes up time after time.

Does anyone else get the feeling this is a great big, undiscussed and unacknowledged elephant in the room?

Hello, I had a horrid time with a previous employer, and Stephen Levinson of Radcliffes Le Brasseur was amazing. Honestly, he was fab.

Thank you all for your suggestions. I really appreciate it.

B

Hello,

I can recommend two excellent employment lawyers to you.
I have already been through redudancy post maternity leave, except my employer waited six months after my return, before doing the dirty on me, after 10 years of service!
I sued them for sexual discrimination as well as unfair dismissal. I was the only female out of seven senior managers. I also happened to be a new Mother.They lost I won!

I would recommend Jo Keddie at Winnkworth Sherwood - Top Lawyer in Employment 0207 593 5000.

I would also recommend Charles Russell - Another top Employment Lawyer highly recommended.
I could not use them as my previous employer uses them. However two of my friends have used them and both got excellenty settlements!
Contact: Ann Monroe on +44 (0)20 7203 5336

Good Luck.

If you would like someone local I suggest Harry Dronfield at Hanne & Co in Clapham Junction who is an employment expert and a lovely guy

Richard.Lister@lewissilkin.com is excellent, and a really nice man. Good luck.

I have a friend who may be able to help. She was the employment lawyer at my large City firm prior to setting up on her own. I use her advice from time to time. She is excellent.

If you like, I can ask her to get in touch with you if you she is available, it might be more cost effective than going to a large firm. You can email me at miss_laura_wright@yahoo.co.uk.

I'd recommend Speechly Bircham