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AIBU?

To ask you wise mumsnetters WWYD

11 replies

readytorage · 11/04/2016 11:13

I returned to work last year (around sept) and asked for reduced hours...only minimal reduction (about 2 hours) and to work over 4 days. Anyway...my employers refused and I gave another 6 working patterns that I could work...every single one declined. I eventually had occ health and union involved and my employer grudgingly agreed to let me work one day from home and 4 days in office...this isn't much help as I still don't see DD as much as I'd like. This is also a temporary contract and is reviewed every six months.

Anyway to the AIBU/WWYD, there is a girl returning to the team who has asked to work 4 days a week and drop more hours than I had originally asked to drop and it's been approved. It's not a job share which I could understand. So in essence, they wouldn't let me drop 2.5 hours and work the rest of the hours over 4 days but the other girl can drop 7.5 Hmm and work 4 days.

AIBU? WWYD?

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Ifailed · 11/04/2016 11:16

Is she doing exactly the same job, if you you have been badly treated. If not, then I don't think there is much you can do?

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Ifailed · 11/04/2016 11:16

if so you

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curren · 11/04/2016 11:18

There isn't much you can do.

The employer may just say, having seen it work for you and the conversations they had with the union and OH made them realise they need to be more flexible

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readytorage · 11/04/2016 11:24

She is actually more senior to me in the team but essentially same job. curren it hasn't worked for me. I still work full time

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curren · 11/04/2016 11:27

Sorry I misunderstood.

I still don't think there is much you can do. She does a different job and they can use that to justify it.

It doesn't seem fair at all. But I don't think there is much you can do. Apart from submit your request again.

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NeatandTidyTidyandNeat · 11/04/2016 11:29

Hmm, I might wait until she is actively working that new pattern, and then at your next review point (having briefed HR about the background information) ask again for what you need, now that someone else has set the precedent... In the meantime, cross your fingers that the other person is able to do a great job in their 4 day week, so it encourages your manager to believe it can be done!

(Bear in mind also that the other person might have medical or personal reasons that their request was accommodated, which you wouldn't be aware of.)

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WhyCantIuseTheNameIWant · 11/04/2016 11:36

First, ask them to put in writing why they refused EACH of your suggested work patterns.

Second, find a job with a decent employer! They sound awful.

When I went part-time after having ds, they asked how many hours I wanted. From 1 (minimum) to 36 (one hour less than full time).

Then over how many days...

Then when I suggested mon-wed, they said don't do Mondays as I will lose bank holiday pay. They were really helpful. (Ok, a lot of it is government policy, but they told me other things that they didn't have to. Like the bank holidays...)

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readytorage · 11/04/2016 11:52

They're a high street name and they're the worst employers. I have a good job and decent pay but my bosses are all women and it's like working for a coven of witches.

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wannabehippyandcrazycatlover · 11/04/2016 13:45

A lot of employers do not do compressed hours, which is what you have requested. She has essentially dropped a day and will be paid accordingly. To me it isn't the same working pattern at all.

If they have followed the flexible working policy there isn't a lot you can do other than submit another form 12 months from your first application.

I don't think you have been treated unfavourably though as they are completely different work patterns.

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readytorage · 11/04/2016 14:40

wannabe when I originally requested flex working I did offer to do a day less which was one of the ones they declined Sad they said that there was no way on earth they could lose any hours at all in the team. So whether that was 2 hours or 7 hours they wouldn't do it. It was mega stressful at the time and I'm furious/upset that they will now agree it with another member of staff. I wonder if it makes any difference that her husband was a VP in the company until several months ago Hmm

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Birdsgottafly · 11/04/2016 15:44

Is she coming back after ML or sick leave?

Is she on a higher wage than you?

There might be a few reasons why they're letting her drop hours, but, I agree, it's still unfair.

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