Hello dom. I didn't like to say dodgy but legal, but I think you could be right. It doesn't mean it's fair though. Can you prove the directors are exactly the same people, or maybe their relatives? HB

Good luck. Go in with all the ammunition you can. I'll be thinking of you. HB:)

Hello again. I just posted this on the other maternity thread, from the DWP website. Returning to work When you return to work after ordinary maternity leave, you have a right to the same job and the same terms and conditions as if you hadn’t been absent. This also applies when you come back after additional maternity leave, unless your employer shows that it’s not reasonably practicable for them to take you back in your original job (for example, because the job no longer exists). In that case, you must be offered alternative work with terms and conditions as if you hadn’t been absent. Employment contracts (employment section)

Hello again. This is what the DWP website says about returning to work. This doesn't mention 'suitable' alternative work, but I think that's on the ACAS site. Returning to work When you return to work after ordinary maternity leave, you have a right to the same job and the same terms and conditions as if you hadn’t been absent. This also applies when you come back after additional maternity leave, unless your employer shows that it’s not reasonably practicable for them to take you back in your original job (for example, because the job no longer exists). In that case, you must be offered alternative work with terms and conditions as if you hadn’t been absent. Employment contracts (employment section)

Hi there. I agree with Boswell about not jumping the gun. But if you're like me, you want to understand your position in advance. I just looked at the ACAS website that has quite a lot on Maternity rights and a little about returning to work and 'suitable' arrangements for alternative work. You could have a glance through that and ring their helpline if you have more questions. Also, as I said to gayzee, I would look at the CAB website and maybe ring them as well. And I guess the DWP have guidelines on their website. I don't know which set of regulations it comes under, but I thought carers were meant to have some flexibility. Not sure if carers include parents of young babies. Can you help here, guys?

I'm not sure they're following the guidelines. I was just looking at the ACAS website for another poster. They have information about maternity rights and a little about returning to work and suitable arrangements. If you don't find all the information you want, you could ring their helpline to ask for advice. Also, have a look at the CAB website.

Hello. This sounds awful for you, and a bit dodgy, possibly. Do you know anything else about how this was carried out? I'm guessing the company was put into administration because it was insolvent and unable to carry on in business? Have the management bought the company from the administrator? And do you know what was paid for it? They don't seem to have transferred the staff to the new firm, so there were no TUPE procedures. Is that right, domscams? It's a little outside my knowledge, but I can ask someone I know and I'm sure help will turn up on the forum. My best.

Is it worth involving your credit card company? Ours rang us once about 2 identical debits and said they would only pay one of them. You would be able to prove that your flights are duplicates.

Guys, is it possible to have this meeting as a conference call, if it has to go ahead? That way, MsJ could be somewhere she feels comfortable and will have time to think about her answers, refer to notes, etc. MsJ, can you record any meeting on your mobile, say? Could be great evidence. As an aside, I find it outrageous that he's made you ill and is now seeking to compound it by throwing everything he can think of at you while you're off sick. And you're a soon to be ex-exmployee. Or was it resignation without notice?

That's brilliant. Have you made a transcript of your recording, or is that the minutes you mentioned? Because you could compare a written transcript with what they're saying and highlight any differences.

Sorry if this is repetition, the old brain is struggling a bit. Do you have any of this in writing?

Hi. Our last posts crossed. So his company is taking action against you. Does it say anything else about the case?

Sorry, I just noticed that you received the letter from the court, didn't read an earlier post properly. Forgive me for being thick, can the court just free him of all responsibility for not making the deductions and transfer the problem to you just like that? No investigation, just he says something as a reflex reaction and they agree?

Ms J and the others, I apologise if I've misunderstood, but who is the letter about attending court from, please? I'm confused.

Good points, Elpulpo. I guess Ms J is worrying about how she proves she didn't open the letter when it's his word against hers. But as you've said a few times, the proof for a court is much more rigourous than in employment law. This man seems to have no scruples. I musn't swear on the forum, but words fail me. Where's Perry Mason when you need him?

That's a horrible thing to do. Did the police investigate then? Have they told you what you've done to be summoned to court? I can't comment on the court part of it, but I'm sure we can get you some help. Is there any helpful information in the police letter? My best.

Hello again. A friend of ours has a saying 'If it's not written down, it didn't happen.' With the meeting the other day, did you take notes and can you remember what was said? I don't think there's anything to stop you sending a written version to the company. Is there guys? Have you looked at bullyonline.org? It may or may not help just at this moment, but certainly worth a read through. You'll understand how bullies work, that you're by no means alone, and who knows, you may pick up some tips.

Ah ha, it's coming back to me now. Of course, you have to act within a month, unless they agree to extend it, but they don't seem to have a time limit to get back to you about an appeal. I forget how long we waited, and unsurprisingly, they stood by the original decision. It was only when we went to appeal that it was sorted. Sorry to sound bitter and twisted, it just makes me angry that it seems so stacked against claimants. I truly hope you don't need to go to the tribunal, but mine was very fair and I have faith in them. I would advise you to appeal the new decision if you don't like it. I'll be crossing my fingers for you.

That sounds a long wait, poor you. I can't remember if there's a time limit for them to decide. Guys?

Hello again. I hope it's OK to post this, from the Information Commissioner's website. This is part of the Data Protection regulations and covers an organisation's legal responsibilities. 'The Data Protection Act doesn't guarantee personal privacy at all costs, but aims to strike a balance between the rights of individuals and the sometimes competing interests of those with legitimate reasons for using personal information. It applies to some paper records as well as computer records. This short checklist will help you comply with the Data Protection Act. Being able to answer 'yes' to every question does not guarantee compliance, and you may need more advice in particular areas, but it should mean that you are heading in the right direction. Do I really need this information about an individual? Do I know what I'm going to use it for? Do the people whose information I hold know that I've got it, and are they likely to understand what it will be used for? If I'm asked to pass on personal information, would the people about whom I hold information expect me to do this? Am I satisfied the information is being held securely, whether it's on paper or on computer? And what about my website? Is it secure? Is access to personal information limited to those with a strict need to know? Am I sure the personal information is accurate and up to date? Do I delete or destroy personal information as soon as I have no more need for it? Have I trained my staff in their duties and responsibilities under the Data Protection Act, and are they putting them into practice? Do I need to notify the Information Commissioner and if so is my notification up to date? To help determine how well you comply with the data protection principles, please read the complete audit guide.

Good idea Silverbird. Do they really need to keep copies? I would have thought that if they really don't trust their staff, it should be enough for someone to see the letter or a copy of it and enter that fact on the personnel records. There are strict rules about medical records and their confidentiality. It would be worth checking that they are getting this right. There the Access to Medical Records rules and I think it comes under the Information Commissioner as well. I'll have a look if I get time.

Hi. According to the HMRC website, the Personal Allowance is staying the same, being £6,475 for 2010/11. A code of OT seems to contradict this. Have you had more than one coding notice? My suggestion would be to ring your tax office or the helpline, to discuss your position. It's important to make sure they've entered the right information about you. Often a mistake in this can affect your tax code and your income. Try to keep cool. Their job is to make sure you understand and people ring up every day about this sort of problem. If I haven't explained this properly, or HMRC give you an answer that you don't like, please let us know.

Hello. 674L sounds to me as if they have given you the normal Personal Allowance of £6,475, being the amount you can earn before they start deducting tax from your earnings. [Actually, that could be last year's PA, I need to look on the HMRC website in a minute.] A tax code is the amount you're allowed for the year, with the last digit left out. I hope that makes sense . If not, please shout! So a tax code of £6,475 means that your tax-free allowance is between £6,470 and £6,479 for the year. In the letter you have, does it mention what your non-taxable allowance is? Any income over £6,475 would be taxed at the basic rate of 20%. You say your code has changed, which is normal from year to year. Can you tell us what it's changed from please? I leave it to others to comment on whether there might be other tax credits allowed to you. I only understand Income Tax. I'll have a look at what OT means, if I can find it, and re-post.

Too right, Rae. If they don't keep records, why on earth would they expect Crockie to? Don't give up. HB

That sounds pretty positive, well done! I hope it works out in your favour. x