Any advice on flexible working/PT request?

[Shugaplum]

I'd really appreciate any advice on filling in the form to request PT work. I work in a small team where there are already 3 PT workers and only one FT. I used to work FT but since being on maternity leave they have recruited someone FT on a temporary contract who they will take on permanently when I say I don't want to go back FT (my old role can't be done PT).

The problem for my boss is that having so many people working PT makes it difficult to manage assignments (I work in publishing) as often people submitting their work to us miss deadlines and work that was meant to be done on a certain day has to be two days later etc. It would also be an increased cost as they need to pay the FT worker to take over my old role as well as a "new" PT salary for me.

I'm having trouble finding positive ways to put my request as the main positive thing is that I'm actually the most efficient employee and my work never has to be double checked but others does (my boss would admit this in private but not in public!). But that isn't something I can put on the form!

Can anyone give me any advice?

Have you discussed this with your boss, and is he/she supportive of your request? It's just that it sounds as though you are not asking to do your original role as part time, but are instead asking them to create an extra new job for you at additional expense. That would be unusual, are you sure they will be prepared to do that for you?

I know that my boss wants me to come back, but the role I was in can only be done FT. I've spoken to her PA (at a social event) who said that my boss had said that she would have me back even if I were only PT. It is difficult to justify this on paper though as it is an extra expense!

Well it's great that your boss values you like that and wants you to come back. I agree it's going to be difficult to frame your request on paper though, so I really think in this instance your best bet is to make an appointment to see your boss.

You need to talk through what you want in terms of hours, find out exactly what she means when she says she 'would have you back part time', discuss how it would work together and then put it on paper. Otherwise you are just trying to second guess it.