What happens if I say no?

[sian05]

I went in for a return to work meeting yesterday after applying to change from full-time to three days a week at the end of my maternity leave and was told that there wasn't a part-time position in my current department and was instead offered a position in another department.

I was completely blindsided as I had been previously reassured by my manager that there wouldn't be a problem. Although they are both admin type jobs the new position is completely different to my current role which I really love. I am going to do a KIT day to get an idea of the new job and have to make a decision in the next two weeks.

Although there was opportunity to ask questions I didn't have time to let it sink in and didn't ask the most important one which is what happens if I say no? Have they fulfilled their obligation by offering me an alternative job and therefore if I refuse they can let me go?

I feel quite upset as I really like the people I work with and have been in the job a long time so feel a bit like I've been pushed aside.
TIA for any help or advice.

They're fine to do this as long as it isn't a lower grade or a backwards step career wise. It has to be comparable. If you don't want to accept it, it's back to you to either take your old job full time or resign. They've done everything they can legitimately do if they can't reduce the hours in your current job.

I'm waiting for my decision after going in for a meeting on Wednesday and may be in a similar situation as I don't think they're going to allow me part time hours from the cues I was getting from my manager.

Thanks Luanmahi. I thought that was probably the case.

I'm trying not to be negative -it could end up being a good move and I might end up really liking the new job. I think it was just a shock as I hadn't considered that I would be moved.

Good luck with your decision.

Their obligation under flexible working legislation is to consider a request to adjust your current job to the hours you've requested. Have they actually done that? If not, they need to, including business reasons for refusal if they refuse.

There is nothing wrong with offering you an alternative in a different department, and you are not obliged to take it. If you don't want to take it, it's not then a case of letting you go, it's a case of you deciding to either go back on your previous terms and conditions, ie full time, or if you don't want to do that, you will need to resign.

Thanks flowery. Basically there have been a lot of changes to the department in the time I've been off, staff growth and some fluidity of job roles and they said that as a result there isn't a part-time role available. I've been advised I'll be getting an official letter shortly so this may give the business reasons.

I know they are within their rights to make this offer but still feels pretty crappy that I either have to take a completely different job or resign (going back full-time isn't really an option)