To feel that I'm being treated unfairly at work?

[careerchangemaybe]

I'll try to keep a long story short and just the facts - trying to be as objective as possible.

Recently returned to work from 10 months maternity leave - been back 6 weeks now. I have struggled with my mental health whilst on maternity leave quite significantly - I spent some time admitted to a mother and baby unit when my baby was born, and have struggled on and off with anxiety and low mood throughout my maternity leave. I have been seen regularly for therapy by a perinatal mental health team, who are fabulous and have helped me lots.

Part of my struggles relate to separation from my baby, which sends my anxiety into overdrive. Hence the return to work has been extremely hard indeed, to put it mildly. But I've put a brave face on and tried to just get on with it thus far.

I submitted a request for flexible working / reduced hours to my manager. I wanted to go from FT (37 hours a week) to PT (33 hours a week). So in effect I'm asking for a reduction of just 4 hours per week. It's been declined. On the basis that it cannot be justified in the current for climate of severe staff shortages and the service being at crisis point as a result of Covid (I am in a large public sector organisation).

However, I know for a fact that some other colleagues work flexibly and have reduced hours, for their own reasons. So in effect I am being treated differently because of the work climate at the moment.

I honestly feel as though I will end up on long term sick if I have to continue to work FT hours. I am asking for a small bit of flexibility to enable me to keep working and to meet my health needs.

Am I being unreasonable? Any advice on how to proceed with this? I'm really lost. Thanks.

You mention there are loads of vacancies for your work with your employer - do any of those vacancies allow or mention flexible hours?

@TulaOfDarkWater

I haven't responded to anything else in your post because you being deliberately goady and unhelpful and I am reserving my previous time and energy for posters who are actually trying to help.

And don't accuse me of being a liar, thanks.

*precious, not previous

@TheRealityCheque

You mention there are loads of vacancies for your work with your employer - do any of those vacancies allow or mention flexible hours?

Indeed they do. I'm going to give serious thought to applying for one of them. Can't hurt to explore my options.

@ivykaty44

It's been declined. On the basis that it cannot be justified in the current for climate of severe staff shortages and the service being at crisis point as a result of Covid (I am in a large public sector organisation).

and then they wonder why there are staff shortages...

Yep.

@mam0918

That's really shit. I'm sorry that happened.

can you look for something else OP? I expect thats what will need to happen for your "well being"

sorry, I now see there are other opportunities within your company, best Strat applying and concentrate on getting flexible shorter hours

best of luck

Considering that you've said there are multiple vacancies within your current position, it clearly shows that they're understaffed, therefore exception your request would make this even harder for them. You are not being treat unfairly. Others working flexible hours have no bearing over your current situation. If this doesn't work for you, then simply you need to seek out other jobs and opportunities for yourself. They're a business, their property is their business.

@peboh

Considering that you've said there are multiple vacancies within your current position, it clearly shows that they're understaffed, therefore exception your request would make this even harder for them. You are not being treat unfairly. Others working flexible hours have no bearing over your current situation. If this doesn't work for you, then simply you need to seek out other jobs and opportunities for yourself. They're a business, their property is their business.

Well no, because they are actively recruiting the same position with flexible hours.

To not allow an existing membe of staff the same would leave them wide open to a constructive dismissal claim.

@TheRealityCheque ah I missed that update by op! Thank you for clarifying. Then yes I agree it worth taking this further if their is a position offered with flexible hours. They need to explain clearly and succinctly why that isn't an option for you.

[quote careerchangemaybe]@Phineyj

The only nursery near my work with spaces is not somewhere I am prepared to leave my baby. I'd go as far as to say that I was tempted to report to Ofsted after my visit there last summer. Dreadful what I witnessed in the baby room. [/quote]
Please report them if it was that bad.

Sounds like the impact of your post natal anxiety on your ability to engage in normal day to day activities could amount to a disability. I would ask for the 4 hours off as a reasonable adjustment. The effect of the impairment on your ability to engage in day to day activities must be long term ie has lasted or is likely to last at least 12 months. Good luck.

Can you speak to occupational health and possibly get a fit note from the GP to say you need reduced hours due to health needs,

With you being in the public sector, are you in the union? If so, get in touch with them for support. Even if you’re not a member, I’d still phone them for some advice

You're not being unreasonable at all. I get exactly the same when I first left my baby to go back to work. If they don't have 4 hours flexibility then they need to recruit. It's probably already been mentioned but have you tried speaking with the pregnant then screwed employment law helpline?