Part time working - conditions changed from meeting to official letter

[RibenaBabe]

DP and I work at the same place and have been accepted for part time working (3days each) so we can share the childcare of our DS when I finish Maternity leave.

We went in for a meeting approx a month ago and what was discussed was a 3 month and 6 month review. I thought this was fair as when we started the job we had a 6 month probation. However we have just received our letters and it says a 6 week and 3 month review. I don't feel this is long enough to assess if it is working. It will take me a while to get back into the flow of working after a year away! It will also depend on what work is available as we do contract work.

Trying not to give to much away but we work in an industry where it is hard to get part time work, you never see it advertised.

So any help or advice how to approach work about it? When DP questioned it apparently the bosses boss was not very helpful (who signed and gave him the letters) Thanks

So this was a 6 month trial period with a review half way and they now propose a 3 month trial period with a review half way instead?

I don't think it should really take you that long to "get back into the flow of working" to be honest, and surely if there is an issue about what work is available during three month period that represents a problem anyway?

What did the boss's boss actually say when questioned?

You can of course ask that the trial be 6 months as initially discussed, however I can understand why your employer want a final decision made sooner than that. I'd suggest asking, but be prepared for them to say no and insist on a shorter trial. That's preferable to a flat no, and it just means you'll both need to work really hard to prove it works well.

Tbh the decision would have been made at the 3mth review. They would just use the following 3 mths for evidence collection to substantiate their position, good or not.

So, actually this possibly works in your favour. IMHO let this battle drop to win the war. It won't stop, gets draining....

Thanks flowery, I'm probably worrying about going back to work as much as anything. I'll question DP when he gets back about bosses boss reply but the impression I got was a shrug and a take it or leave it. Definitely we will be working really hard to make this work

I recently went back to my job full time after 4 months off completely and two further months part time following surgery. Believe me, you get back into the flow within a fortnight!!

This could be positive for both of you. If it works well (as hopefully it will) the new arrangement can be signed off at three months instead of leaving you in an uncertain position for six months. Good luck.

Thanks chilicosrenegade gobbin vegasisbest that's a good way of thinking about it. Couple of months of mat leave left and I'm worrying about work already!