Asked for a change in working hours

[Daisydoodoos]

I work in a School and have been with them for 2 1/2 years. Back In June I asked for a change in working hours from 8 til 4 to 9 to 3 as my daughter starts school and the school does not have any breakfast or after school clubs. I was told that she can't see this as a problem as it's me losing out and not the school. I said this might not be forever or written in stone as the school might start clubs or I might meet a parent that can help out. I was then asked to put this in writing, which I did and asked for this to be reviewed in July 2011. I didn't hear anything from the school so went ahead and started at 9 this morning. At 2.46 this afternoon, I had an email saying that "I have not actually confirmed this change yet. I understand that it would be on a fixed term basis so can you confirm the end date as we can probably accommodate this. On a full term basis we could not agree to this as the post requires you to be in school 8 through to 4pm".

I can not give an end date as I don't know what is going to happen or even if I can find help. Can anyone help me as to where I stand now. No one needs to cover my job whilst I am not there, I do not cover lessons or reception.

Thank you

Daisy I thought they had to respond within a certain amount of time to be honest. However, they do not have to accommodate a request for a change to working pattern as it generally is down to business needs so could be dependent on others already working part time, the role you're doing etc etc.

Can you not put down a fixed period of July 2011 and then see at that what's happening?

what will you do if they refuse the request now?

Yes they should have asked for a meeting within 28 days (so I have just found out). I did put in my letter to be reviewed in July 2011 but that, obviously,was not enough. I feel like that if they do allow me these hours that I will be used as a bench mark as there are a few mums (teachers and support staff) have children starting school next September will use me as say that I have been allowed.

No one else has part time hours so I am not putting on anyone. My job is mine (if you understand what I mean) no one else needs to do it. To be honest I don't actually have much to do apart from at the begining and end of year.

I don't know what I will do if they don't agree to it. They will agree to 6 months (I think) maybe I will have to ask to be reviewed then and if I have put other staff members out we can discuss it then.

Thank you for replying.

Daisy, I would explore why they think you have to be there 8 - 4. They can't use the argument that it's setting a precedent for others as it's down to business needs.

I hope you get a resolution which suits your needs

Thank you. I am speaking with them tomorrow I did check out before I asked and I do not need cover for my job.

You are so right it is down to business needs and we have so many cover staff sitting there doing nothing most days.

As you say if they are using me, setting a precedent, they are breaking the law against working mothers. I obviously do not want to go in with guns blazing as if I get another job I need references. So they have me where they need me. I will let you know how it goes. He is one of these men that do everything through email, once confronted he agrees to most things.

I don't feel I am being unreasonable in my request, I will still cover my 5 early meetings and the parents evenings. I need to speak to them really, but I was so very annoyed this afternoon after 3 months getting this email.

Good luck, stay cool!

I will. Then I will pull off his lego hair. ha ha ha

Did you put a formal flex working request in or just a letter asking for different hours as they are not the same :)

Ohh I don't know. I asked for a change of hours and asked for it to be reviewed in July as I was advised by the HR dept to word the letter this way.