Legal advice on job changes

Questioner

Hello! I have a question regarding my employment. I feel like my role is being deliberately undermined... all the tasks I used to get satisfaction from are being transferred to my new manager without consultation. I indicated that I could handle some additional workload, including in other areas of the company. Unfortunately, I received no response. At the beginning of this year I announced that I was pregnant, after which I was asked how I saw my future within the company. My current position is being upgraded to a higher professional education (HBO) level. (I'm currently working on an MBO diploma.) Therefore, an HBO (higher professional education) degree isn't feasible during my leave, and unfortunately, I'm not eligible for my old/new position. I'm afraid that after I return I'll be offered an empty position until I tender my resignation. what can i do?

Questioner

Your employer can't simply take away your position, even if you've taken maternity leave in the meantime. In short, this is only possible if there's a sufficiently compelling reason. In this context, it's important to know whether your employment contract includes a unilateral change clause. But even if that's the case, the employer can't simply change the position. Certain requirements must be met.

Questioner

Good morning, thank you very much for your time and your answer! If my employer makes me another offer within the company, likely with a lower-level job and fewer hours, can I refuse it, or will this be considered a refusal to work? And will it result in a settlement agreement? Thank you!

Questioner

The reason for the adjustment to the position (and the number of hours) is important. The employer should be able to justify this, and then it should be assessed whether the offer is reasonable under the circumstances and whether it should be refused. An agreed-upon number of hours cannot simply be adjusted unilaterally. Whether your employer will offer a settlement agreement cannot be indicated in advance. There is no legal requirement to do so (in certain situations).