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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

Permanent to temp?

19 replies

loadthetoad · 07/09/2018 20:35

Reposting here for traffic.
I'm returning to work in October after a year's maternity leave.
I've asked to go part time to 0.8 which has been granted but they want to change my contract to temporary. Can they do this? I'm a teacher and this has happened to 3 TAs in school (new head who would prefer all full timers) one left and the other two went to full time.
I will contact my union tomorrow but had the conversation earlier this evening and now I'm panicking about my job security.
can anyone help?

OP posts:
Original poster
loadthetoad · 07/09/2018 20:50

Anyone able to help put my mind at rest?

OP posts:
cookiesandchocolate · 07/09/2018 20:52

Well it sounds like they want to see if the 0.8 will work within the school before they grant it permanently. I.e see if the parents staff and children all work well with it.

However, it also gives them a reason to get you out of it doesn't work and there are no guarantees. Can they put you on full time permanent but with 0.8 contract for a year? If that even is a thing?

I would just be worried about job security and being replaced when the year is up

cookiesandchocolate · 07/09/2018 20:54

Personally I would say no. And see what they come back with.
They don't have to grant part time hours, a lot of heads don't want part time in reception for instance.

What age group do you teach?

Original poster
loadthetoad · 07/09/2018 20:55

I would just be worried about job security and being replaced when the year is up

This. Which is why I'm panicking. I'm not sure of my rights here.

OP posts:
daphine2004 · 07/09/2018 20:56

Are they saying they will try the 0.8 on a temp basis? They can’t change your perm contract to a fixed term contract with consultation - who would do that?!

Have you applied under flexible working?

You should be disadvantaged by asking and if what you’ve written is accurate, that’s not right. I’d definitely speak with your union and get advice.

cookiesandchocolate · 07/09/2018 20:56

Well technically they don't have to grant you part time hours if you weren't doing that before. They can insist on full time

daphine2004 · 07/09/2018 20:57

You should not be disadvantaged*

Original poster
loadthetoad · 07/09/2018 20:57

@cookiesandchocolate
It's already been granted and the timetable reflects the change.
The head was fine with me dropping a day but no mention of a temp contract until now.

OP posts:
cookiesandchocolate · 07/09/2018 20:58

Well if it was granted without a mention of temporary then I would be contacting my union immediately.

Original poster
loadthetoad · 07/09/2018 21:00

@daphine2004
Yes, I applied under flexible working. Everything went through fine.

I understand they don't have to grant it but they actually have. I just didn't realise they might try and make me temporary. I've worked here for 9 years with good service.

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Original poster
loadthetoad · 07/09/2018 21:02

well if it was granted without a mention of temporary then I would be contacting my union immediately.

I intend to. I did say that in the op. I just needed some reassurance. Totally not going to be able to sleep now.

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pumpkinspicetime · 07/09/2018 21:29

Is it the 0.8 that is temporary? Meaning you would go back to full time if it didn't work? I have had in my contract before.

pumpkinspicetime · 07/09/2018 21:32

So I had a temporary change to my hours for six months followed by a review. Meaning my permanent contact was still full time but with a temporary part time adjustment

Original poster
loadthetoad · 07/09/2018 21:41

I did ask, so it would change to temp until the end of July. I was told that it would be reviewed after then with the option of going back to full time or leaving. They were quite vague.

OP posts:
Littlebluebird123 · 07/09/2018 22:00

I know lots of heads like to make new contracts temp so they have an easy out.

If you're in England though and still decide to sign I wouldn't let it end in July, it should end August 31st or you'll have a month no pay and no way to get paid. :(

Original poster
loadthetoad · 07/09/2018 22:04

So they are allowed to do that then?
I feel sick at the thought after all the loyalty I have shown them and hard work I have put in.
This is awful. Thanks for replying.

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Original poster
loadthetoad · 07/09/2018 22:08

Really wishing my union was open so I could ring them. I'm sick with worry now.

OP posts:
ClemHFandango · 07/09/2018 22:28

They can’t unilaterally change a part of your contract without you agreeing to it. If your new part time timetable has already started and there was no chat about your contract being changed to temporary when this happened they can’t just decide to do it now without your consent. What they could say is that your job is now permanently part time, as that’s the contract change both sides agreed to. Have you signed a new contract at all?

Original poster
loadthetoad · 07/09/2018 22:36

I haven't signed a new contract as not due to start til October.
I haven't agreed to anything but they have been quite sneaky with other things (misues of KIT days for example.)

Oh I'm in such a panic. I can't afford to lose this job.

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