Made redundant whilst on maternity leave

Hi all,
I am currently on maternity leave and have not yet given notice of my return to work. While I've been away my organisation has restructured and gone through a consultation period. Most people are having to reapply for their jobs and others including myself have been made redundant.
I requested a meeting with a senior manager who advised I either take voluntary redundancy or apply for a role which is below my current grade and would mean a salary cut of approximately £6k. I also met with HR and asked about the protections in place for employees on maternity leave (eg a suitable alternative role being offered) but was told that these don't apply in a mass redundancy situation. Is this correct?
I would appreciate any advice.

Simple answer - no, this is complete and utter c**p!!! Maternity protections are absolute, and the size of the redundancy is utterly irrelevant. Ask them to put this advice in writing - I think you will find them loathe to do so! You are not required to take "voluntary redundancy" - and should not do so! - and you are entitled to return to your post or to a suitable alternative. If this is impossible the employer must make you compulsorily redundant and whilst not impossible to do, this would be very hard for them to do it. This is no doubt why they are suggesting you volunteer!