Going back part time, different role, what happens to my salary?

[BeatrixRotter]

I've asked if I can go back to work part time and my work have offered me a different role which would allow them to not split up my old job (although they have done this in the past for another member of my team). The salary grade for the new role is lower than my old one. If I was to be paid the top end of the grade it would not be too much of a drop, but if it was the lower end it would be quite a big difference. I'm just wondering what my rights are (if any)? I've taken the full year off.

[Northernlurker]

Did you make the request for part time working under the flexible working rights - as a formal request and have they refused it giving a valid business reason?

[BeatrixRotter]

No I had a chat with my boss in the first instance and she suggested this role.

[Northernlurker]

I bet she did!

Ok - when going back from additional maternity leave you have the right to return to a job under the same t&cs as your old one although it may not be exactly the same role. You also have the right to make a flexible working request to go part time on your old job - or smilar role and they have to give a valid business reason for not doing so. It may be difficult for them to argue that if they already have that arrangement and it's working well. What they (afaik) can NOT do - is put you off from applying under flexible working by telling you you won't get it and basically shove you in the direction of a demotion!

When do you go back to work - and have your HR department been involved at all?

[Northernlurker]

going back after ML

flexible working

also here

[BeatrixRotter]

I'm due back in June. My HR department is very unreliable and tend to tell you things that are completely untrue, and do not understand the meaning of the word confidential. Although a new person started just as I went on leave who seemed to have her head screwed on, so I could approach her, not sure on what pretext though as they probably won't have any idea about the new role.

The top end of the salary grade for the new job was my starting salary 2 years ago so I suppose it would be a demotion. But it is a part time role and working from home so very attractive. Not sure where I go from here?

[flowerybeanbag]

Put in a formal request and make them consider reducing the hours of your own role first.

If they refuse, and if you are satisfied that they have followed the procedure correctly and given appropriate reasons for refusal, they could then offer you this new role, possibly on a reduced salary to reflect the lower role, and it would be up to you.

But make them consider your own role first.

[Northernlurker]

Well I don't think they are treating you fairly but it all depends what you want to achieve. If you like the new role as offered then that's good - but it does sound like a backward step to me and you may regret that in a few years - or you may think it absolutely the right decision. I would go to the sorted HR person and say that you were thinking of applying for flexible working but have informally been told this is unlikely and you want to talk to her about what the fairest options are for you all.

[BeatrixRotter]

Thanks for the posts, you've helped me get my head round this.