Boss trying to make me do more/change hours

[er1507]

This week was my first week back from mat leave and I had agreed my working hours with the business manager around 10wks ago. The hours are 20hrs pw week 12-8.15 thurs. 9-6.45 fri and sat 9-2.15. These are the only days I can work due to child care. Im a salon based hairdresser so understand its important to work a sat. The owner is now saying I have to do a full day on sat and that he'd give me two weeks to sort it out. I told him I can't as ex dp needs to go to work to make up his hours from looking after dd in the week and mum can't have her as shes not here that day. ex dow mum and sis can't have dd as they work too. I was then asked to work most of sat and finish an appointment early then make it up in the week. u still can't to do that cos of child care and the problem is that I can't do a full day sat not how many hours in total in doing. a few more things were said and ive decided I go in and speak to him personally next week as all of this was said over the phone by the business manger. having spoken to ex dp I could work a sat but would have to drop one of the days and just do 16 hrs. boss won't be happy with this but these are the only two options I have. What happens if he refuses both of the options? I've been soo stressed about the situation i dont know what to do.

to me if you can't do the hours they want you to work you'd have to leave, I can't see any way round it

I had to leave a job I loved as I had no childcare, it wasn't their fault I didn't have childcare available to do the job

or get a childminder who works odd hours and saturdays, I tried to get one like that but failed

its crap but its life with kids

I don't see why I'd have to leave as its to my understanding that unless there are good reasons why they won't let me do the hours such as the hours it having a detrimental effect on the business or that it means that the customer demand isnt bein met then there shouldnt be a problem. there are two branches of the salon and plenty of staff to cover? Or am I wrong in thinking that? when i first asked about the hours I was under the impression I would still be working in the original salon and not the new one that opened two weeks ago. I know that they only have to offer me what I worked before but I thought they would have to consider flexible working too?? There are 5 members of staff that Work part time upon return from maternity so it shouldnt be a problem but what's the next step if he says no to them?

But there probably is a good business reason for you not doing a half day sat if it's the salon's busiest day. Can you find a childminder who will cover Saturdays?

I get the impression you don't have a full understanding of what flexible working requests entail. It may be that your employer is at fault too for not implementing the process properly.

You are correct that the only thing you are definitely entitled to is your post as it was before ML. If you want, you can request a flexible working arrangement through the proper process (this involves a written agreement, not phone calls or an informal arrangement). The employer has to seriously consider your proposal but can turn it down according to set criteria (including detrimental effect on business).

Your proposal needs to show how you would ensure that the business doesn't suffer and how colleagues won't be disadvantaged by your proposal. It is categorically NOT about saying 'well mum can only look after the baby on sat mornings' etc. Your childcare arrangements are not your employers problem. I would have thought that given that Saturday is the busiest day in a hair salon, they aren't going to want someone who can't work the full day.

It sounds like your best bet is to find a childminder to cover the sat afternoons. They do exist. If the childcare you're getting the rest of the week is free, then it's clearly worth your while- you'll come away with a profit.

Your employer isn't under any obligation to offer you the times that happen to suit you personally. Ime from the other side of the fence, the flexible working applications which are most likely to be agreed are the ones where the applicant isn't talking about what she wants for her own convenience- its where she looks at things from the employers perspective and explains how the proposed changes will not disadvantage them

I tried asking for flexibility, I had good reasons why it would benefit the business, not least the 20 odd years experience at all levels I had in my field

I was actually laughed at (by 2 women who both had free flexible childcare from their mums...)they both couldn't believe I didn't have stand by regular childcare available, something they were used to

so I had to leave, there were no childminders who would work a Sat/Sunday here, believe me I tried

good luck op

OP if your employer has agreed working hours they can't unilaterally and without consultation change them.