I think one part of the solution is dead simple to implement. When someone takes maternity leave, they have to state in advance how long they are going to be off for. At the moment you can say you're taking 26 weeks, and then 19 weeks into your leave you can change your mind. That's really nice for the new parent, but a burden on the employer. A bit like being able to take your weekend on Tuesday and Wednesday, as long as you give notice.

In the case I've alluded to above the woman was a lazy bitch who asked for a ridiculous pay rise whilst on maternity leave - I suspect it was a (hamfisted) attempt to start building a constructive dismissal case. Dealing with her was difficult per se. It might be colouring my judgement.
(slowly play it cool, Trig, Mon 14 Jun 2010, 14:01, Reply)