Can I Ask For Whatever Hours I Want

[smirnoff861]

Hi
Just looking for a bit of advice. Im due to go back to work in a couple of months and really torn about what I want to do. I was working full time but I definitely only want to do three full days or maybe 4 shorter days when I go back. Does my place of work have to accept more or less anything I ask for or not? And is there a certain amount of notice I have to give to a change of hours? so not looking forward to that first day back!
Thanks!

You can ask and legally they must consider your request. However, they can refuse it for a legitimate business reason.

Oh and i think you need to do it at least 28 days before you return. Maybe check on this as I'm on mat leave so brain is frazzled!

Thanks! What sort of things might count as legitimate reasons? Or does it really depend on each company? I guess it might be best to let them know as soon as possible then?

X post! Thanks! Im going back in a couple of months so might contact them in the next few weeks!

They don't have to agree to your request.
I'd couch your terms in ways that also show you are still committed to your job and how working those hours will still mean you give the employer what they need too.
I went from working full time to 4 shorter days after having DD, I can't remember when I spoke with my manager but it must have been before I went back as they did agree and that was my new pattern when I started back at work.

I work in the public sector and think a request for reduced hours could go either way these days - either an opportunity for a saving on the wages bill or a refusal given the service can't be cut further.

Thanks! Im a bit scared to have the conversation just in case they say no, and that will annoy me, but I know they have to think about it from a business point of view!

Try and think about it from their perspective to see if what you are asking for could pose an issue and be prepared to be flexible with them.

I know of one department that will not consider any new requests for a Friday off as there are too many already off on this day and it would leave them short-staffed. However they would agree to a Thursday off.

Ok will do thank you! I guess ill just contact my managed and see what they can do!

When I applied for flexible hours after DC1, work sent me a form to fill in and I had to set out what hours I wanted to do, why I wanted to do those hours, what impact it would have on colleagues, what impact it would have on clients and what childcare I would have in place. This was really good as I had to think it through. 85% of my application was then rejected so they said I could work from home one day a week but wouldn't let me cut down my hours or do any of the other things I'd asked for.