Maternity Leave and Pay?

Question

I have been off of work for 7 months on maternity leave and I have just been told that I have not got a salary increase this year but everyone else has. I have always made my targets and worked hard. I have been told that they will only consider this if and when I go back to work. Is this legal? Sharon

Answer 1

Perfectly.  Nobody has a right to automatic salary increases and although your past performance may have been fine, that was over half a year ago and no doubt your employers will want to know in practice what your hours and job function will be after you return to work before they commit themselves.  Many women returning to work want to do a less strenuous job, or fewer or more flexible hours which might mean that they cannot then continue to do the job they were doing before they took leave.