I’ve had a query and need some help.

An employee was on long term sick and as a result they were replaced to cover their job role.

The replacement was not on a temporary contract.

The employee who was LTS has now stated they want to return to work, but the manager says that the person is now not needed as they have been replaced.

What’s the stance on this one? The person who was off cannot be made redundant (as its position and not the person for redundancy).

Look forward to any input and thanks in advance.
Ann McKillop