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Part time after mat leave - boss asking me to do more days than contracted

8 replies

Sugarplummama · 13/09/2024 15:12

Quick background : been at small company (6 of us in total) for 5 years, got pregnant, went on mat leave, returned part time mon-wed about 4 months ago.

First couple months everything was going well, I did my 3 days and that was that. Boss then asked if I can cover my work colleague’s (we do the same job) 3 week holiday. So that meant 3 full time 5 day weeks. Fine, kind of expected them to ask me to cover that as she goes away every year to visit family other side of the world.

Went back to doing 3 day week for about a fortnight and boss rings me up on a Wednesday evening asking if I can do Thursdays now for the next month or two as it’s busy. I said I’ll do the next few Thursdays and after that will see what happens.

He announces yesterday in the office that it’s getting busier and we might need all hands on deck basically through to Christmas. Hasn’t asked me to do extra shifts, but I’m guessing he’s going to ask.

Thing is I really just want to do my 3 days. Currently DM looks after him 2.5 days week. He goes to a nursery for half a day. MIL has been looking after him on the Thursday I have been asked to work but she lives about 1 hour 15 mins away and doesn’t drive so we leave early to get him there before work and have to pick him up after. DM works Thursday-Sat so can’t have him then.

I understand and was even happy to cover holidays of my colleague if she was off for the full week but now feel like boss is regretting letting me do 3 day week so trying to put my days up. We generally get on well.

I am worried if I say no to the extra days he will sack me though, are they able to do this if I say no?

OP posts:
ExtraOnions · 13/09/2024 15:59

What does your contract say ?

alpacachino · 13/09/2024 16:06

ExtraOnions · 13/09/2024 15:59

What does your contract say ?

This is what matters here

OtterOnAPlane · 13/09/2024 16:44

YY to checking your contract. And if it doesn't say you need to do the extra, saying no if it doesn't suit you.

Just checking because you didn't mention it... they're paying you for the extra days, right?

Smartiepants79 · 13/09/2024 16:46

If your contract is for 3 days a week then you can say no, I’m not available I have a baby to take care of.

CC222 · 13/09/2024 17:17

The more you agree to help them out, they more they will expect it. Give them notice of say a month, where you will continue to do that extra day in good favour of them but they need to use that time to find additional help elsewhere, such as employing another part time member of staff. You don't need to justify your reasons for this either, your hours are part time now and that is all you're contracted to do. Be assertive, and sort this out asap as the longer it goes on, the more tension and stress this could cause.. Your family commitments are your priority now so it's time to set that boundary in and moving forward, don't agree to do the extra days unless it really suits you and has a non-negotiable cut off time where you go back to normal part time hours

DixonD · 13/09/2024 17:41

You really need to say no now, or it will get worse. This is of course, depending on the terms of your contract.

gardenmusic · 13/09/2024 18:24

If your contract is for 3 days, then do 3 days.
You are setting a precedent and they will keep taking more and more until you are full time on apart time contract with only part time benefits..

frogpigdonkey · 13/09/2024 18:41

Are they paying you for the extra days, or is it TOIL? I'd be careful of mission creep- it's a balance because you want to be helpful to a good employer but they agreed these terms. Fine IMO to cover a holiday or to be flexible, not fine to agree it and then effectively try to rescind it. They need more staff, hire them. Ideally have a calm conversation if you can and say that x

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