Possible Grievance/Giving Up Work

[monkeytree]

I hoping for some points of view as over the past few days I have come to the conclusion that I may not be returning to work after maternity leave but not sure how I will adapt to being a full time SAHM. I know that I am fortunate to have the choice as dh has good income but this is about me.

Previously before dc2 came along I worked dream hours 13.5 hours a week, term time only which meant I was always there for dc1, hols, after school etc. Unfortunately new management have dictated that due to business need (which is unfortunately probably legitimate) my term time working will be eradicated and I must work a minimum of 18.5 hours per week. I am thinking of lodging a grievance though stand little chance of winning it. The massive change is the eradication of term time only working and with virtually no family back up this is going to end up in a juggling act arranging childcare. It has also coincided with dc2 coming along and means double childcare costs. At the end of the day I would not be gaining financially either.

I used to enjoy my job but I think it was because of the short working hours and getting long breaks with the school hols as the job can be quite demanding at times. It appears management are implementing changes which will affect the way I work too and not in a good way.

I'm feeling quite low as I know I will miss the mental stimulation and adult company and cant believe one woman (who does not have children) can come along and change my life so much but without the term time working it does not seem that my job is worth fighting for. After discussions with dh we decided that it would be easier for me to stay at home while dc2 is so young. To be honest I would find handing dc2 over to nursery really hard as she is my miracle child (previously was able to take a career break with dc1 - also no longer available). Really worried I'm not going to find a job in a few years time and don't know what job I would like to do other than current job, don't have bags of confidence either. Thinking about possible voluntary work/college course but feel despondent. I guess I really enjoy having a routine and having to go somewhere for a reason.

Sorry for long ramble and thanks if you have read this far. Anyone found themselves in a similar position?

What would you be hoping for from a grievance?

Take a 2 year break and review the situation then.

If you stay at work, you won't be happy - I think your post makes that pretty clear.

As for getting another job, keep active while you're at home - keep your eyes peeled and do some voluntary stuff. But no use trying to plan life to the nth degree. Things happen :-)

Are they making your current position redundant by changing the terms? I can't see how a grievance would help as it is your personal circumstances which render it unviable not the change itself. Even on previous hours during termtime the emotional and financial cost would already make it hard for you to work.

Thank you for your replies. Yes I would like some recognition that I am no longer able to work because they have changed the terms of my employment (baby aside/emotional aspect aside). If my term time only working was in place, I may have been encouraged back to work as obviously such jobs are rare. It may be a legitimate business need but I have worked these hours for 4 years without anyone asking me to increase my hours etc. and the job has not really changed. The management want to keep people on neat working shifts so that they can swop people around to provide cover etc. Pro rata that's a lot of extra hours they're asking me to work. They promote themselves as being a family friendly organisation. I've suggested other part time workers without children may want to work my hours as a way of overtime but they're not willing to accept that suggestion.