Work requesting a meeting before return from Maternity Leave

RLH33

I have been on maternity leave since December 2009 and returned to work in December 2010. However as I had a lot of leave to take I don't actually physically return to work until 2 weeks time.

I have today had an e-mail from work asking me to come in for a meeting to go through the changes that have happened since I have been away, new office, clear desk policy, new team organisation etc etc.

My first thought was 'Thank you for your offer but I'll see you when I get back to work and you can explain it all then'. Would I be unreasonable to write back to them saying that?

Bit of background, I work for a Local Authority, have done for 17 years, they tried to make me redundant, along with a lot of other colleagues, while I was away and have been quite difficult in responding to my requests for a slight change to my already flexible way of working when I returned to work. Their communication over my possible redundancy was extremely poor to the point where they didn't even invite me in for a meeting to tell me whether I had been selected to go. All my other colleagues were told in a private meeting, they didn't even tell me that these meetings were being held and they didn't even phone me to tell me I was safe (for now), I had to phone them!

Although that is all in the past now this request for a meeting has stirred those less than generous feelings towards them and I feel a bit miffed that I should take up what is left of my precious annual/maternity leave to meet with them.

horsechestnut

I think that it would be perfectly reasonable to have the meeting; after all you have been away more than a year and it would be nice to know what to expect before you return.
I have know this happen with several people who have been on maternity leave and it has been a very positive experience and an opportunity to pop in to see the office and old friends and new staff.
Also it would be a gesture of good will on your part to show that you are committed to your job and the organisation.

bluetownbarry

RLH33 wrote: »

I have been on maternity leave since December 2009 and returned to work in December 2010. However as I had a lot of leave to take I don't actually physically return to work until 2 weeks time.

I have today had an e-mail from work asking me to come in for a meeting to go through the changes that have happened since I have been away, new office, clear desk policy, new team organisation etc etc.

My first thought was 'Thank you for your offer but I'll see you when I get back to work and you can explain it all then'. Would I be unreasonable to write back to them saying that?

Bit of background, I work for a Local Authority, have done for 17 years, they tried to make me redundant, along with a lot of other colleagues, while I was away and have been quite difficult in responding to my requests for a slight change to my already flexible way of working when I returned to work. Their communication over my possible redundancy was extremely poor to the point where they didn't even invite me in for a meeting to tell me whether I had been selected to go. All my other colleagues were told in a private meeting, they didn't even tell me that these meetings were being held and they didn't even phone me to tell me I was safe (for now), I had to phone them!

Although that is all in the past now this request for a meeting has stirred those less than generous feelings towards them and I feel a bit miffed that I should take up what is left of my precious annual/maternity leave to meet with them.

On the face of it, asking you to come in for a meeting to discuss changes since you took leave actually sound quite positive and helpful. A lot is bound to have changed since you've been away and it might be rather overwhelming to have to take in all the changes and get on with work.

As for the lack of communication whilst you have been off, unfortunately, I've seen this plenty of times. 'Out of sight out of mind' springs to mind, so I wouldn't take this as personally as you appear to be. Don't get me wrong, I'm not making excuses for them but it would seem that by asking you to come in, they are now at least starting to include you in what's going on at work rather than keeping you in the dark.

The meeting you've been asked to attend is a reasonable request by your employer but on the other hand, you are on leave so it would be on your time. Are they talking about an entire day or just a couple of hours. If it were me, as I'd been off for a year, I for one would be quite keen to go in, if only for a chance to catch up with colleagues etc.

RLH33

Thanks for your comments, I have been into the office on quite a few occasions since my maternity leave started, both for proper meetings and also just to say hello. They have just moved office and I even went in to sort out the stuff on my desk so that my colleague didn't have to.

I just feel that I have only got two weeks left with my baby and to have to find a babysitter and give up a whole morning (by the time I have driven to babysitters, into the City and back out again etc) only for them to tell me stuff that they could quite easily tell me when I return seems such a waste. The silly thing is my first morning back will be spent talking to colleagues, sorting out work etc anyway regardless of whether I meet with them or not.

Maybe I am just being over-sensitive and panicky that my time is running out

getmore4less

It's a meeting for them to tell you things so no work as such so take the baby with you.

Say thanks great idea OK lets make this a 1/2 day and I will take the morning/afternoon off in lieu the day I am due back.

Googlewhacker

RLH33 wrote: »

I just feel that I have only got two weeks left with my baby and to have to find a babysitter and give up a whole morning (by the time I have driven to babysitters, into the City and back out again etc) only for them to tell me stuff that they could quite easily tell me when I return seems such a waste. The silly thing is my first morning back will be spent talking to colleagues, sorting out work etc anyway regardless of whether I meet with them or not.

Maybe I am just being over-sensitive and panicky that my time is running out

Yes it does, don't presume everything your employers ask is with bad intentions.

mum2twinsx2

I think it is quite normal, i had one before returning to my job after maternity leave both times.

an9i77

you are entitled to pay if they make you come in - would this make it any better? also, they are still obliged to fulfil certain legal obligations to you whilst you are still employed with them, eg to consult with you over any proposed changes, (not saying this is what it'll be about but you never know) although if you really couldn't make it in they should offer to do this over the phone. Why don't you try to find out more about what they want to talk about and see if it can be done via phone instead, and agree that if it's something serious then you'd consider going in in person?

themull1

I would wait until i go back to work, i think that expecting someone to come in during their maternity/annual leave for discussions about work is a bit cheeky to be honest.

WhiteHorse

Refusing to co-operate might just put you back in the firing line for redundancy.

themull1

Then you can claim unfair dismissal.