Job cuts during maternity leave

Hello all, I know there is a fair few people on here who have worked for the NHS. I wondered if anyone could shed some light on experiences with job cuts at the NHS or any company in England for that matter and protection laws for those on maternity leave. I work full time for NHSE and have done for the last 7/8 years and due to go on my first maternity leave in May 2025. Just been told this week that NHSE is making approx 50% job cuts and these will take effect by December 2025. Staff cuts are common for the NHS but this time round feels much more frightening due to the sheer amount.

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They are abolishing nhse altogether, it was announced by starmer today! 😪 You can be made redundant on maternity leave in that situation, but should be given same opportunity to apply for other jobs

You have redundancy protection for 18 months when pregnant. If cuts are 50% of each department, they can’t make you redundant as you’d automatically be one of the 50% who are staying. If it’s entire departments being closed down they have to offer you an equivalent role elsewhere, since the NHS will still exist in some capacity I would be very surprised if there was nothing they could offer you. If possible join a union, and/or you can contact pregnant then screwed for free legal assistance IF the time comes that you need it. Fingers crossed for you ❤️