To ask you about work hours after mat leave

[Anewusername1]

Hi all,

Sorry - posting here for traffic.

I’m due to go back to work in a couple of weeks but I have a few days to go back to get me back in the swing of things.

My old hours were really long, 7.30am until half 6 sometimes 7pm - these weren’t my contracted hours but the role wasn’t a 9-5 job, you finished when the work is done.

Anyway, I spoke to manager back in January to discuss dropping my hours, which was agreed (verbally and in emails) I was told that all of this would be passed on to the person that was taking over the department as my manager was leaving, especially as there would be a change in my job role and of course, hours. A specific role was apparently left open for me as they thought I might want to do this and also provide support for the person that’s in my old role.

The manager then left and a new person has taken over. I received a letter stating I need to have a meeting with this new manager as what was agreed with my old manager might not work with what this new manager has in mind? Turns out nothing about my new role and hours were explained to the new manager.

Meeting is today and I’m shitting it. I need my job, money is so tight at the moment and I’m not really sure where I stand. Surely if it’s been agreed then they can’t go back on it? Or can they because it wasn’t agreed with the new manager?

I’ve been there 5 years, I have a DD(6) and a DS(8 months). When I spoke with this new manager to arrange the meeting, I felt like all the questions were about my DC. For example “how many children do you have?” “How old is the eldest?” “Do you think this would impact your job?” Etc

Sorry for the long post, just wanted to get as much info as I could. Is it worth just trying to find a new job? I feel like this person isn’t keen on the new role and doesn’t want the hassle.

Thanks

Do not mention children at interview, if asked just reply ‘they are fine thanks,’ then redirect back to job at hand.
Ask what new manager sees you role as going forward and then supply ideas and information on how you will meet the needs of the role. Bring up previous experience that supports you in the role.

If it was agreed in writing they'll have a hard job of fobbing you of with a role with less suitable conditions. No point panicking until you've been to the meeting, see what they have to say first. Their idea might even be better for you

Thank you.

Just feels odd as I have been in my little bubble thinking all ok, going back soon, new manager knows everything, then bosh.

It feels like an interview but I’m an employee still

Can they say “no that won’t work” even though I’ve had it in writing it would be fine?

Thank you @Zippy I’m a worrier which I HATE. Will try to chill out.

Did you fill out a flexible working request form when you spoke to your manager in January? Or did they agree you’ll move jobs? Is it possible someone else wanted the role they’ve left open for you and have complained and now it will have to go to interviews?

@MynameisJune no, no one else wanted it. I had an amazing relationship with my old manager and I was working up the ladder. When I went to see them back in January and asked about reducing my hours (for reference they aren’t part time hours but a huge drop) I was told that it’s fine, put my thoughts in an email which I did, I then had a reply saying all ok.

That change in role is a step down but also providing support and cover for the person in my old role.

I’m not sure where you’d stand, if you’re applying under the flexible working hours then usually you have to fill a form out and there is a specified time period that work have to get back to you in etc. Your agreement with your old sounds quite informal and I’m guessing if your new manager is disputing it then he must have spoken to HR and they’ve agreed with him.

Hopefully it will be fine at your meeting.

I think it's unfortunate that the previous discussion was so informal, and that you weren't required to put in a flexible working request. However, at least you have a paper trail of emails to take into your discussion.

As far as I am aware, employers need to be careful not to be discriminatory when discussing children and childcare, so I think you can probably politely but firmly steer any discussion well away from that topic!

Unfortunately, while they have to consider a formally made request for flexible working, they can refuse "if they have a good business reason for doing so".

I think all you can do is wait and see what comes from the discussion and then work out where to go from there.

Thank you all for your replies I really appreciate it.

I’ve printed all the emails and taking the letter that was sent to me in confirming the hours. Fingers crossed it goes ok 🤞