5-day week condensed to 3 days - is it realistic?

[ScramblyEgg]

I had an interview earlier in the week for an administrator / PA role, which seemed to go quite well, but am slightly concerned as the job is currently being done full-time and they are now changing it to a 3-day a week job without any reduction in duties. The interviewer described it as 'a bit of an experiment' and did ask if I'd be able to do extra days at busy times. DS is 2 and will be with a childminder, so I don't want to get into a position where I have to keep working extra days or staying late to get work done.
I can't believe that the person currently in the position really has the equivalent of 2 days per week when she's got nothing to do! What do you think, is it a nightmare waiting to happen?

Will you be doing longer hours over the three days? If so, it is probably manageable. I have worked part time in the past with a full time workload and it is very difficult to meet people's expectations if deadlines remain the same. I would be very careful.

No, the hours over 3 days would be 9.15 to 5.45.

Tricky - it would be a shame to turn down a job. I think I would give it a go but be clear about workload responsibilities and hope that your childminder can be flexible too.

Thanks scurryfunge - they're doing 2nd interviews, so if I get that far I can ask them to clarify about the workload.