Anyone work in HR or know about employment as for maternity leave

I would escalate it. My job was advertised as a secondment maternity cover only, but the job role hadn't changed.

If you’re in the UK give ACAS a call they give free advice on employment and maternity laws.

Sorry, yes I’m based in UK

How long have you been on maternity leave? I read that if you take additional maternity leave (more than 9 months), they can give you a similar job when you return as long as your new job has terms at least as favourable as your current position. You should definitely get some advice from ACAS though as suggested by Natalie!

I’ve only been on leave for 5 months and they did this straight away when I went on leave

If you've only had 5months then they can't do that, and you should have hlbeen informed about the job role and asked if you wanted to apply. Speak to ACAS or pregnant then screwed

Hi, if you have had more than 26 weeks you have the right to return to the job with the same terms, if not they should offer you a similar position- your role should have the same pay/benefits and be at the same level

Were you consulted about this or given the opportunity to interview at all considering it’s a role that you had be doing part of? if not i would consider taking this further because it could be considered maternity discrimination

I believe if you return after 6 months they have to give you your same job back unless it’s been made redundant.
After 9 months they give you your job or a similar role & after 12 months they don’t have to give you either but most companies will to avoid legal cases.

My maternity policy states I have the same role for 30 weeks but after that there is no guarantee. Check your policy?
Sorry that’s happened to you. So horrible.