Bosses playing funny buggers

[sunshineonmyshoulder]

Hi all,

My maternity leave is due to finish on 24th May. Before I finished up on maternity I had a meeting with one of the bosses and explained that I would be coming back part time which was agreed. I didn’t sign anything. My boss phoned me to check in and discuss me coming back to work. I mentioned part time and she sounded like I had never discussed it with her before that phone call. She said that I would have to come back full time. Not only do I not want to I actually can’t go back to work full time (childcare reasons etc).

I was thinking of handing in my notice but I don’t want to have to pay my maternity pay back to them and financially I can’t do without a wage.

Does anyone have any advice for me please? I am losing the will to live!

Put in a formal request to vary your hours
Check ACAS website for details
Employer doesn't have to agree but does have to have a reason that is one of the permitted reasons
Make sure your application focuses on how it will work for the business and not on how it fits your child care arrangements etc

I agree it seems strange that your boss is ignoring your previous discussion but you can't just tell them you're coming back part-time. They only have to consider your request.
When I returned from maternity leave a few years ago my request was refused as it didn't suit the needs of the organised and as I wanted to move from 5 to 4 days they didn't believe the could find someone to fill just one day.

*organisation

I haven't checked the exact timescale but your employers don't have to make an immediate decision
I have a feeling they have 3 months , but check that
So if your mat leave is up on 24/5 you will probably have to go back ft or resign

Statutory mat pay does not have to be paid back only any additional pay
Is your 'boss' the actual owner of the business or just your line manager

That's a bit tricky, have they given you a reason why you can't go back part time? I had to submit a formal request to get part time hours agreed.