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Work

Flexible working advice

33 replies

rach6122 · 10/03/2014 17:39

I'm going back to work soon after bavk to back maternity leave, I will have been off 18 months, going back to the same job. My hours are 9-5 but I want to change hours to 8-4 so I can be home in time to see my daughter before she goes to bed and it will allow dh to get a part time evening job (he is a sahp) more easily. Do you think this is reasonable if me and what's the best way to go about it? If it means anything they once let me change to 8.30-4.30 just so I could get the earlier train, pre marriage and kids. I've worked there nearly 7 years.

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JeanSeberg · 10/03/2014 19:19

It seems a reasonable request but I guess depends if it is customer-facing and if it would impact on any colleagues who would have to cover for you?

rach6122 · 10/03/2014 19:47

Not customer facing, no one would have to cover for me but it means some things would not get done until the next day unless they did it themselves, there is rarely anything urgent. So nervous don't know why!

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JeanSeberg · 10/03/2014 19:53

Would those things have an impact on the business?

rach6122 · 10/03/2014 21:03

No not that I can think of

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JeanSeberg · 10/03/2014 21:06

Go for it then and good luck!

JeanSeberg · 10/03/2014 21:07

Go for it then and good luck!

rach6122 · 11/03/2014 12:40

Thank you, don't suppose you have any idea if it's perfectly ok to do thus while still on ml?

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JeanSeberg · 11/03/2014 21:25

I can't see why not. A phone call or email along the lines of 'Looking forward to coming back to work and making plans for my return. I would like you to consider my request to work x hours. Perhaps we could arrange a meeting or phone call to discuss at your convenience. Looking forward to your reply.'

Is it a small or large company? Are you on close terms with your boss and/or HR?

rach6122 · 12/03/2014 12:51

Thanks that's a great idea. Relatively small and good terms .. Well I was before I left!

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Jbck · 12/03/2014 13:06

If theres anyway you could suggest an actual business benefit in your proposed hours as well that may help swing it.
Maybe you being in earlier will help with another process or allow you peace and quiet to get started in the morning.
Good luck.

rach6122 · 12/03/2014 22:25

Thanks I gave him my request in writing today but all he said was that's not helpful.. Twice. Then he said he would discuss it with the teo mangers. One was off sick today. He emailed ten mins after I left saying it wouldn't work for our department so I guess hasn't discussed it!

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JeanSeberg · 12/03/2014 22:46

It would be helpful if he could give reasons why it won't work...

Jbck · 12/03/2014 22:55

I think they have to give you reasons why it won't work and you have the right to appeal.
Look at the ACAS website it should have some useful info.

rach6122 · 13/03/2014 08:57

Haha Jean that's what I thought. I have not responded to that but said I would be happy to discuss it further at a meeting. Eek!

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JeanSeberg · 13/03/2014 10:02

Yes good idea to discuss it in person, hopefully you can come to an agreement.

rach6122 · 14/03/2014 11:45

He offered me 8.30 to 4.30. Over email. No meeting suggested but he's supposed to arrange one within 28 days. Not sure what to do : (

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JeanSeberg · 14/03/2014 14:01

So he's met you half way. Will this make it impossible for your partner to work on the evening?

rach6122 · 14/03/2014 16:53

Thing is this email (I didn't see it before) was sent straight after the last one so literally ten mins after I gave in my form
He hasn't considered it at all. Not impossible but a rushed handover if that makes sense!

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JeanSeberg · 14/03/2014 20:10

When are you due back? I suggest a face to face meeting a week or so before to discuss it in person.

rach6122 · 14/03/2014 20:20

End of April yes I've said I'm happy to go in for a meeting to discuss hopefully he will agree. So complicated this going back after ml

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JeanSeberg · 14/03/2014 20:22

If you had to do 08:30 to 4:30 would it cause big problems for you?

rach6122 · 15/03/2014 09:03

No not really. Half of me thinks just say yes to that but the other half is very annoyed he didn't even give it proper consideration or a reason or a trial period- nothing

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acemay · 15/03/2014 09:17

Why don't you suggest a trial at 8-4, with an agreement to go to 8:30-4:30 if it doesn't work out for whatever reason? Have a read of the ACAS guidelines though as there is a process your employer should follow.

VegasIsBest · 15/03/2014 09:27

Maybe your manager is thinking that after eighteen months off you could show a little more interest and commitment to your job and not just your family life? Seems to me that he's been quite obliging in meeting you half way. I'd accept that quickly.

rach6122 · 15/03/2014 09:59

Ace that could be a good idea. I know he's not following it all v frustrating! Vegas when you have a family you have to try and make sure work and childcare both work together. There are a couple of mums who came back to a three day week or only work in school hours etc. I really don't think an hour back is that unreasonable. You are right though I should not have had an 18 month holiday my husband should have had the babies instead..

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