After my first baby, my manager refused to let me cut days at work and would only let me reduce hours from 42 to 30 but had to work 5 days. No negotiating. The same manager went on maternity later and returned just 4 days a week in a deputy manager position - a role created for her to do 4 days. Extremely annoyed that I spent the last 3 years at 5 days for that person to return less days. Now due to go off with my second baby next year I asked HR if things had changed and if this reduction in days would apply to me. We work in the same department, same job, she's a deputy and I'm below. They've said her situation is different and would depend on 'business needs' at the time. I asked if a role would be created for me - again, business needs at the time. I asked if she would be there on 4 days but they'll still make me work 5 days. They said yes, it's a possibility. I'd have to put a strong case forward of how less days would suit the business and again they'd decide if it met 'business needs'!! Anyone else think this is really unfair?