Application for maternity cover vacancy

drivedrive72

Hi folks,
Curious as to the likelihood of a maternity cover post turning into something full-time.
Saw a job advertised, a dream job of sorts, but is a maternity cover role.
I am employed at the minute, and imagine the advertised role would be better paid, but the fact it is a maternity cover post is making me hesitate a little.
Anyhow, is it a risky policy, taking a 9 month contract knowing that the person will more than likely return, or have other people who have taken this sort of position before, been kept on in similar circumstances?
Any feedback appreciated.

ABajaninCork

I think you're taking a HUGE risk, personally. If the role's maternity cover, the mother might not come back or extend her leave, but I wouldn't bank on it. The lady's personal circumstances might mean she has no choice but to return.

drivedrive72

You are probably spot on ABajaninCork, I'd be hoping that I'd impress in my time in the department and a role could be found elsewhere when the person is back, but I am sure other people may have tried the same before without any success.
I suppose it all depends on the size of the organisation really, and department.
If I take the risk it could pay off and my salary may increase, but if it doesn't work out I could be out of work. Tough one alright.

ABajaninCork

drivedrive72 wrote: »

You are probably spot on ABajaninCork, I'd be hoping that I'd impress in my time in the department and a role could be found elsewhere when the person is back, but I am sure other people may have tried the same before without any success.
I suppose it all depends on the size of the organisation really, and department.
If I take the risk it could pay off and my salary may increase, but if it doesn't work out I could be out of work. Tough one alright.

Doesn't work like that, I'm afraid. AFAIK, the mother must be given either her post back or be given a comparable role. Employers are not allowed to give her role to someone else in those circumstances. They'd be laying themselves open to a claim of sex discrimination or victimisation.

drivedrive72

No, no, just to be clear I meant a role would be possibly found for me elsewhere in the organisation once the incumbent was back, not the mother/person with the job already being pushed elsewhere!
You are probably right, too much of a risk for me to take a temporary gig.

ABajaninCork

My bad! Time I hit the pit, methinks...

Ken.

The questions I'd be asking myself are
1. Has the company recently taken on people?
2.Can you foresee the company expanding in the next year?

tara83

It depends on your reasons for taking the role. It may be very beneficial for experience if you want to gain it in something different. I managed to get the full year out a maternity contract and got a perm role eslewhere based on the experience.

I would say do as much research on the company as you can. Size of dept etc

drivedrive72

Thanks for pointers.
Ken-Two very relevant questions, hopefully the interviewer for the post would give a genuine insight into the likelihood of being kept on, long term. I know the organisation have recruitted in 'key' areas, although I'm not sure how 'key' this area is.
Tara-Your point about the experience thing is very relevant, and another thing to consider.

pow wow

You're almost guaranteed to have first refusal on the role if the incumbent doesn't come back (judging by the number of roles I've applied for where a new mum hasn't come back and the person covering her mat leave got the permanent role!) but do be aware that even if she is due to be off for nine months she can decide to come back earlier with four weeks notice which may not give you time for another role in the company to come up for you. There are various things that might contribute to the likelihood the incumbent won't come back (if she has other children at home, multiple birth etc.) but I'd be reluctant to leave a permanent job to take the chance, unless it was literally a once in a lifetime thing.

I'm on a mat leave contract at the moment

Wishbone Ash

drivedrive72 wrote: »

...Saw a job advertised, a dream job of sorts, but is a maternity cover role...

If the company has a large workforce of female employees in the same role, there may be further opportunities should this one end. Employers will be much more likely to retain you in those circumstances.

(We have 6 staff on maternity leave at the moment but due to the recruitment embargo, we are not permitted the luxury of replacing any of them )