Could someone please clarify the law regarding the advertisement of short term vacancies such as maternity leave.  I am the Deputy Manager and my Manager is due to go on maternity leave within a couple of months. Until Friday I was under the impression that I would take on the management responsibilities as my job profile clearly states that I will deputise when the Manager is not present.  Other Deputies have automatically stepped into the management role when their Managers have been off for long periods of time (without these being advertised).  I am now being told that the maternity leave has to be advertised by law(by an acting Manager who’s role was not advertised!).