Yep Karina, they can. They are only required by law to keep your exact job for the period of 12 months. I found out though that should you want to go back before the 12 months that you can go back on reduced hours if the employer allows it. After the 12 months you have to either draw up a new agreement different to your full time one saying what your new position etc is, go back full time or leave.

Lots of places are very flexible. What sort of a company is it Karina? A big one with heaps of employees may be less flexible. If it's a family type business run by one person, with a small staff then you are more likely to have some flexibility. Also, dodgy as it is, if you are great at your job & they love you they're more likely to be flexible as well. Do you know of other mums that have worked there & returned part time....

The company I work for is relatively small with around 20 employees. The owners are a father & son team, so they are very family oriented. Within the company are the owners, the son's wife & his BIL, also me, my mum (& my brother once upon a time) & a father / daughter combo as well. They are super flexible & prefer to keep the employees they have with different arrangements rather than losing someone....