Am I entitled to part time work?

[Ecgwynn]

My DH and I are considering TTC next year but we want to be sure we have enough money coming in so as not to starve!

I currently work full time and he has a part time job. We had the idea that I could also work part time so during the week someone is always looking after the baby.

Would my employers have to let me work part time in order to care for my child and do they have to let me do the same job?

Any advice would be appreciated!

You could apply for reduced hours but the employer does n't have to agree as long as they cna substantiate why. Maybe suggest a job share but that would cost them more to do so they may not want to.

afaik they don't have to let you work part time - it has to fit with the needs of the business.

Yes, your employer has to consider your request to reduce your hours (flexible working) but doesn't have to grant it. If they turn it down, they do have to give a reasonable explanation. Are there many other people in your organisation already working part time hours?

If you are going to apply to work part time, make sure you put together a water-tight case. If there's no-one working part time in your business, in your role, it would be a good idea to talk to any friends you have that work in similar roles elsewhere and get tips on how they make it work. Think about how you would say they could manage holiday cover, emergencies etc.

I've just been turned down, for what I think are quite spurious reasons (loss of seniority in the team which they seem to have managed without quite nicely in my absence, plus the extra workload for my colleagues - well, yes, but they could use the money they will save on me to pay them more).

I think it's probably worth thinking about how you'll make your application before you have the baby, while you've still got a clear head. Good luck!