NHS Returning to work can't cut hours

[Sammythecrab]

I have 2 part time jobs and will be returning to both after maternity leave.
I want to cut my hours from 2 days to 1 within the NHS. Locally several other staff members have made this change, but I am not being allowed to do this.
Does anyone know if there is anything I can do?

Thanks for answering anyname

Nice gig if you can get it.

"Doesn't anybody work full time in the NHS??"

You've got to remember, as well, that for many NHS workers, full time will be 3 days per week, because we work such long shifts. Our nurses work 12.5 hours per shift, either day or night, 3 out of 7 if full time. I'm contracted to 23 hours per week so I work 2 shifts per week on most weeks, then every 6 weeks or so drop down to one shift because I've accrued hours, etc.

It's not always quite so easy to obtain in the smaller teams in more specialised areas/professions of the NHS though.

I work in forensic mental health. Part time workers are almost unheard of in my specific unit. We work very intensely with our patients and it's noticeable when you have more than a few days off. Had I requested to return part time I would have likely had to transfer to a different area of the trust.

I do find it difficult working 2 days a week in terms of keeping up with things and catching up with events on my return after days off. Obviously 1 day per week would be even harder in that respect. I think I would have to be just on a bank contract to do just 1 day per week.