How early can I put in a flexible working request for when I return to work after maternity leave?

[reddaisy]

My DS is nearly 8 weeks old and I have got a 2 year old DD. Ideally I would like to go from my current four days a week down to three days a week when I return to work next September.

How soon can I put in a flexible working request? I would like to be able to plan childcare etc as it is very difficult to organise where I live. Last time I only managed to get a four day working week on appeal so I don't fancy my chances but I would like to know sooner rather than later.

Any advice gratefully received.

You can do it today as you already have a child.

Even though I don't want it to take effect until next September? I don't want it to be too early for them to plan for it.

Yes - it takes months for them to organise staff cover for your days/hours off, especially if they have to advertise a post or re-jig other the responsibilities and schedules of other staff, so do it now, or you may find your request is denied or postponed for several months when you return to work.

Thanks gourd but they won't employ anyone to cover me, they will just continue to run the office like they have during my maternity leave. I think I will do it in January to give them time to make a decision and myself some time to organise childcare no matter what the outcome.

I would put the request in sooner rather than later, bearing in mind that your employer may say "no". The grounds on which they can refuse are not numerous but I wouldn't pay any deposits on nursery places unless you know what is happening with your job. I found this part of life to be much chicken and egg and it took a while to resolve and refine things on both sides.

I put in a flexible working request when I was still pregnant. It wasn't a problem (in my NHS job, anyway).