Notification of part-time hours

[HalfBakedAlaska]

I am about to return to work after the birth of my first child. I used to work full-time, but in February I requested to return part-time. It was finally confirmed to me last week that they would allow this. They have appointed someone to job share with me.

The problem is that they have not told me which days I will be working. I am going down to three days a week, but don't know which three. I have asked for this info several times, but they keep telling me they don't yet know. I start back in three weeks and I'm now really, really worried about being able to arrange childcare in time.

Does anyone know if there is a legal obligation for an employer to give notification of hours, and if so how long it is? I feel like this is seriously affecting my return to work and causing me unnecessary stress.

Your work is being rubbish. Does the other person know? Can you work it out between you? You can't get childcare till you know, and can't work till you have childcare. Go to HR /phone up and refuse to take no for an answer.

Thanks for responding, cerealqueen.

The other person says she doesn't know either, but not so much of an issue for her as her children are grown up. There is no HR department, sadly. I work in a school. My HoD says to check with the head and head says wait and see. Not v keen on involving my union but feel I may have to if I don't get any answers soon! Thought they were supposed to make my return to work uncomplicated.

Do you both bring the same skills to the job in that it won't matter what days? If so, suggest to partner the days and go to them with a suggestion and ask for a deadline for response, ie by this Friday at the very latest.

Really, its just not on. You need settling in days at nursery/childminder and they are a school, FFS, should know better!!!!!

I have tried to suggest this, as it seems the obvious solution, but I do not have the authority to choose my own classes, so we are not allowed to sort days between us, iyswim.

Glad you agree that it is unreasonable, though - I was worried I might be being too demanding. Think I will really kick up a stink on Monday if I haven't heard anything.

Good luck, hope you get it sorted soon!

Thank you! :)