Ask the expert: Maternity leave job changes

An employee has returned from maternity leave to a much lesser role and feels sidelined. John Brandon and Esther Smith advise on what her options are. The question I have recently returned to work from 26 weeks' maternity leave. During my leave, maternity cover was sought, which started in April, and I returned to work in May. The person selected was told that I would not return for at least a year (not the case) and based on this took the job. I was called to a meeting to discuss my post a month before my return date, to be told that I would be heading up a different area as I should be on 'light duties'. My agreement to the change was based on having it in writing and that my position would not be weakened should I accept. I received the job description upon my return without any consultation. There are a number of areas that are not the same and it's a much lesser role. I have objected to some of the changes, I have spoken to our HR professionals who suggest I go for a grievance (not worth the paperwork). I feel totally sidelined - I no longer manage staff, and I have been given a bigger part of the estate to manage from an impossible position, which means lots of travel, and my position within the office has been dramatically reduced. Before maternity leave, I covered the whole of Europe, my boss was absent from the office 80% of the time, so I covered his role and I managed six staff locally and oversaw six others. The person employed to cover my maternity leave is now responsible for this role. Can you advise?