Return to work - rights

[Harveyrabbit76]

I am due to return to work next month and I have just been told that my application for part time hours has been refused and that I have to go back full time. My manager has said that they will try their best once I am back to fit me into a part time role but this isn't really an option for me as I really don't want to have to leave my 10 month daughter all week! I feel pretty upset as I have been in the job for 9 years and I was really looking forward to returning and seeing everyone again. I literally have a few days to decide before I need to resign. Not only that but I will have to pay them back money as I took an enhanced maternity package. To be honest I feel a bit screwed over as pretty much no-one usually gets an app for part time turned down but apparently I have bad timing due to resignations etc.

What would your advice be/what would you do? I take it this is within their rights?

Thanks

Are you part of the union? I would speak
To them, I'd also want to know on what grounds this has been rejected - for example the minimum days we are meant to work is three, however I could not do this for childcare so as a compromise to meet business needs I do the late shift and only work 2 days a week, is there some compromise you could agree depending on the reason of the decline?

Citizens advice may also be able to help you. X

I found these on the citizens advice page x

Oh this sucks. Could you work of your mat pay so you don't owe them anything then resign/ look for a part time position? With my job, teaching, I know we have the right to ask but schools don't have to agree to it. Does leave a lot of bad feeling though when they don't ( colleague has just gone through this) especially when prior to children you worked all the hours god gave to do the best job possible.

Yes it's within their rights. If you like your job I think you'd be crazy to resign. It sounds like there's a fair chance you could get reduced hours sorted once you go back and honestly, you get used to being back at work full time really quickly. I'd go back and at least work long enough to not have to pay back mat pay and see how things go.

How long do you have to return to not have to pay it back? Can you bear to do this time and then leave and maybe have a couple of months off enjoying being home again whilst looking for a part time position

Hi, thanks for the responses. I work for a private professional firm in the city so no union. I would have to return for 6 months not to repay so pretty lengthy. I wouldn't have taken it if I felt there was a chance I might have to resign.
I do like the job although there is no real career progression there and I would have to leave eventually, but the perks such as pension are good.
I feel spoilt brattish for assuming I could return on more my terms, I has been told by a number of people that it was just a formality and they would always try as hard as possible to accomodate. Literally 2 people I know have just returned on such an arrangement.
I am a really conscientious worker and I went back to work quite quickly after losing a late term pregnancy in order not to put them out and I feel I have recieved no loyalty in return. I suppose I am niave in thinking that the relationship should be anything but contractual but I do feel kicked in the teeth somewhat. Also, nurseries are pretty expensive in my area and would take nearly all my wage.
Hey ho I suppose!!

Did you apply under formal flexible working application? If so you have the right to appeal

I am not sure that "bad timing due to resignations etc" is a legitimate reason to turn down a flexible working request if other people in similar jobs to you at the same organisation have had them agreed. I am not an expert but I would suggest a formal letter requesting that they reconsider their position because you do not believe that there is any substantial difference between your request and that of colleagues A and B that were granted.

I was in a similar position to you OP 3 years ago. PT hours refused, so I went back FT (with a huge amount of guilt, anxtiety etc).
After 3 months I decided FT just wasn't what I wanted so handed in my notice. My boss then took a look at things again, and to my surprise offered me PT hours.

So I would echo PP advice and return and just see how things pan out. It's not ideal but may work in your favour long term. Good luck!