work want to increase my suggested hours for returning after maternity leave..advise needed please!

[newmummy27]

Hi
Before going on maternity leave i worked FT hours. I dont have any specific duties that they rely on me for (it is call centre) so lots of other people doing he same job. I want to return on 16 hours but work want me to do 20 hours. how do I stand?
how can i tell them nicely NO?

[flowerybeanbag]

newmummy27 you have the right to go back to the same hours as before. You also have the right to request a change in hours. You don't have the automatic right to work whichever hours you want though.

Your employer can refuse your request as long as they can explain that there is a business reason for doing so. It sounds as though by suggesting 20 hours they are offering you a compromise. Is it completely unthinkable to work 4 more hours?

If so, you can refuse them, but they may well refuse your request to work 16 hours.

I don't know whether this is an informal discussion or you've put in a formal request, but have a read here about the procedure you and your employer need to follow.

[newmummy27]

thanks fbb
i chAnged shift but kept the same hours and they have agreed to 16 hours now..thANKS..