Returning After Mat Leave - I really need advice please

[GlaikitFizzEggNog]

Ok this might be long, but please stick with me.

I am returning to work mid January after having my DS in April. I put in a flexible working request at the beginning of December, but I haven't heard anything back about it yet. The 28 days will be up on the 2nd of January.

The story that leads up to this is back in September I went in for an informal chat with my manager and her manager to discuss me going back, the changes that had taken place since I went off and to see the new building my team had moved to. At this meeting I had said I planned to come back part time after Christmas but wanted my hours to suit everyone, not just me. So we discussed what I wanted to do hours wise and I left the meeting thinking my manager and her manager were going to have a think and either agree or suggest alternatives before I put in my flexible working request. I emailed my manager with what we had discussed and arranged to go in for some KIT days in October and November. I heard nothing from my manger after this.

During my KIT days in November we had a meeting with my manager saying they couldn't discuss my part time working without a formal FWR and that I need to get one in. At this point a new role in my team was about to be advertised that I wanted to apply for,so I asked if I put in a FWR for the status quo, wouldl I be able to submit another one if I got the new job, because in the new job I there would be more flexibility to work from home/work weekends than in my current role. My manger said she would find out and get back to me, but she never did.

Meanwhile I was called in for an interview for the new role, and the main thing is I didn't get it. I sort of knew I wouldn't get it as my manager was making noises about it not being a post the wanted someone either part time or working flexibly in.

So I submitted my FWR a couple of days after not getting the job. My manager confirmed receiving it and said she would be in touch. I haven't heard anything back yet.

What I need advice on is this. With all the changes since I went off my replacment has taken on line management of 3 members of my team and has been recompenced for this. My role previously I was deputy to my manager but had no fixed line management responsibilities. I've been told I can't do line management part time, which means I can't go back into my old role. Where do I stand with them offering me a different role? Do they have to offer me another role to fit with me working part time or can they just refuse my FWR because my old role can't be done part time since the change was implemented? They have always known I planned to go back part time after ML.

Sorry for any typos here, trying to get it all down while DS sleeps. I hope it makes sense!

[HappyCamel]

As you've been off for more than six months thet just have to offer you a comparable job. The FW request is separate but logically if they are finding you a new role then it should be part time.

[GlaikitFizzEggNog]

Ok so because I've been off more that 6 months I shouldn't be expecting to go back into my previous role. They have to offer me a comparible role and hopefully will have taken into account my desire to work PT.

These are really 2 different things aren't they.

[posypoo]

Hi, I'm no HR expert but can share my experience, which is that when I went on ML my role 'changed' because of departmental restructure, and essentially no longer existed. Had I gone back, I would have been offered work at the same level (part-time), but it would have technically speaking been a different job.

I know it's frustrating that they haven't replied to your FWR request, but that doesn't mean they aren't going to agree to it. Why not ring them and ask them how it's progressing, bearing in mind that 2 Jan is a bank holiday and lots of people are off over Christmas? Or is there an HR contact you can talk to?

[GlaikitFizzEggNog]

Thanks Posy. I think thats whats stressing me out, not knowing before Christmas. I had hoped it would hav ebeen sorted out ages ago to allow me to relax and enjoy. I had my FWR written up back in November but held off sending it in because of the job I was applying for. Kicking myself now!

[flowerytaleofNewYork]

All they have to offer you is a suitable role on no less favourable terms and conditions than those you were on prior to your maternity leave. They are under no obligation to find you a role on the hours you want.

They shouldn't impose a blanket rule that you can't do line management part time, and should be considering your request on an individual basis. But if they can refuse it on legitimate business grounds and offer you something suitable full time, that's all they have to do.

I do agree it might be a good idea to ring your manager, remind him/her of the approaching deadline and ask when you might hear.

[GlaikitFizzEggNog]

I called my manager and she was very apologetic about not getting back to me. They can't accomodate me part time on my team, but they are creating a similar role on another team that they could have a part timer or job share. She doesn't know too much about it, but will hopefully know more by the end of the week. If she does I'll need to go in next week to discuss. Its a shame I won't be back on my old team because I really enjoyed the work, but I only want to work part time so will go where they put me. I knew I'd be stepping off the ladder when I had kids anyway.

[flowerytaleofNewYork]

That's fantastic news, if they're so keen to keep you they're creating a role. :)