From full-time to part-time...am i allowed?

[ange2008]

Does anyone know if i am entitled to return to work on my full time contract for the week before the easter holidays, then start my part-time contract after the holidays?

I know several people that have done this over the summer hols and wondered if the same applied.

My boss has assumed that I would be returning part-time and is being a bit awkward about me going back full time for one week, saying she has the person who covered my maternity to think about!

Any help on this would be greatly appreciated as I am due to meet my boss next week and I want all my facts right first!

Thanks

[flowerybeanbag]

ange2008 have you put in a flexible working request to change from f/t to p/t after maternity leave? If so, a date should have been agreed when you would start the new terms and conditions, was it not?

Just to clarify, if you were full time before maternity leave, you have the right to return on the same basis. If you want to change that, you need to put in a flexible working application to do so, or whatever other policy your employer has, which would include talking about a date when the new arrangement will start.

[flowerybeanbag]

I've just realised my post was a bit simplistic, without knowing more about your situation.

Try here about flexible working and [[http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/Employment/Employees/WorkAndFamilies/DG_065153 here about returning after maternity leave.]

[flowerybeanbag]

Sorry, I'm rubbish at links today!

[ange2008]

Thanks for the advice. I will look into that straight away!

[RibenaBerry]

Do also bear in mind that an employer can take into account all sorts of issues, like standard of client/stakeholder service, in their assessment of flexible working requests.

I presume that you are a teacher or similar? You might find that the school say that they are happy to accept your flexible working request, but will have difficulty letting you come back for a full time week before starting it (for example if the maternity cover person is becoming your job share and it effectively means sacking her for over teh holidays). They might therefore turn down your requested dates and offer you the alternative of going part time straight away.

I guess what I'm saying is, does your request impact negatively on anyone else? If it does, then there is a greater chance that it will be turned down.