Thanks for the replies, and the two PM's
She's been off for 4 months but was expecting to return soon.
My intitial reaction was 'they can't do that!' to someone who is only temporarily downgraded. She is smart enough to take the Chf Clerk route, and we shall see what happens.
I was interested if anyone here had actually made someone non-effective, and therefore knew what guideline were in place before it could happen.
When I direct her to this thread, my advice at this stage is
1. See the Chf Clk.
2. Keep a diary.
3. Do stuff in writing from now onwards.
and for extra effect
4. Write a letter to the LM asking why you have been treated this way
4a. When the LM explains by interview - ask for it in writing!
I have sympathy for sections decimated by sick notery, pregnancy, OOA, sport billies, gate guard etc. I work on one (we all do). But this seems to me to be a failure in duty of care.