Career Break Advice

[wacko74]

Just after a bit of advice about where I stand with regards to me resuming work at the end of my career break, the background...

I've been with RM for 15 years with a permanent contract, took a 12 month career break in order to help care for a relative, my career break is due to come to an end in December.

The last brief chat I had with my DOM a few weeks ago he suggested there might not necessarily be a position for me when I'm due to return, even though my D.O. has been woefully understaffed for a long time.

I've now found out that they are currently advertising for 2 vacancies at my D.O. both part time (and I'm Assuming temporary contracts).

Obviously I realise RM would love to fob me off in December and just tell me there's no longer a position for me, even though they will have taken on 2 new recruits on temporary contracts.

I know it's a bit of selfish, dog eat dog attitude for me to have but would RM be obliged to reinstate me even if it means letting go one of the new starters or can they simply tell me 'tough we're now fully staffed'??

[IcanthelpthewayIam]

They have to take you back on your ft contract, however it doesn't need to be in the same do, just somewhere nearby, so if there are any other do or mc close by you may end up there

[wacko74]

Thanks for the reply zx, I'm actually only part time permanent... but the point I'm more trying to make is when RM have taken on new starters on temporary contracts at my D.O. doesn't my seniority and permanent contract mean that they should be ones who have to move to another D.O. or M.C. rather than me?

[TrueBlueTerrier]

Thanks for the reply zx, I'm actually only part time permanent... but the point I'm more trying to make is when RM have taken on new starters on temporary contracts at my D.O. doesn't my seniority and permanent contract mean that they should be ones who have to move to another D.O. or M.C. rather than me?

No. Seniority only applies on vacancies or repicks. To bump someone to another Unit just because your career break is over could be considered unfair. But if RM have hired someone to cover your career break and lay them off in line with their contract then there should be no problem with you filling the resulting vacancy as long as you are the most senior applicant.

[wacko74]

Thanks for that TBT yeah that sounds fair enough.. in theory at least.

I can and would accept possibly extending my career break to await the end of a new starters temp contract, but still my concern is I'll simply be told there's no longer a position for me end of story.