Request for reduced hours approved but...........

[bizziebee]

Just returned to work with dd after only 4 months mat leave. I am doing three days at the mo which suits me fine. I recently requested that when I increase my days I only increase them to 4 days for the forseeable future - with dd still being so young. I was delighted when they agreed and am going back 4 days in October. However, I received a letter saying that the 4 days is a permanent change to my contract and that should I wish to go back to full time it would be judged on merit.

Bit shocked really as do want to go back full time at some point - if not just for the money. Is this accepted practice? Has it happened to anyone else?

cant really say this hashappened to me - but at least it gives you time to look for somethin else in the future. you donthave o stay where you re and who knows what the future holds

I just feel as though I am being penalised for wanting to spend time with dd. I don't really want to move anywhere else though - as it is a good job.

Yes, it is accepted practice. Where I work, it's usually organised on a trial basis first though - say, for six months, so that both sides can agree if it's right to make a permanent change after they've tried it out.

but once your kid is three - say - then your life will be different, nrsry, then school - you might want another child - i think hat i am saying is dn't b too upset becuase you never know what life throws your way - ad in a coupe ofyear t may all be different

thanks custardo - i suppose i hadn't really looked at it like that. Just a bit panicked at being committed to a reduction in salary.

hi bizziebee

If you make a request to change your hours under the flexible working regs, whatever change is made is considered a permanent change I'm afraid. This is put into the regs to give employers a bit of consistency really - lots of employers if agreeing to requests may accommodate them by recruiting a job share, or reallocating work elsewhere, or making other changes, and if you were able to request flexible working on a temporary basis, it may be more difficult for an employer.

Having said that, there is nothing stopping your employer allowing you to increase your hours again at a later date. In the letter you had they may just be drawing your attention to the fact that it is a permanent change and then saying a future request will be judged on merit to 'cover themselves' and avoid having to make a firm commitment at this stage. Maybe if you have a chat with HR or your manager informally they may be able to give you some indication as to how open they might be to you increasing again in the future?

Yes, as f says below it's normal. They need to be able to know where they stand and recruit cover on a permanent basis, change work practices etc so there is no general continuous right to keep changing hours and times.

Personally I'd always say go back full time as being home with children is such hard work!

would have been helpful of them to check you knew it was permanent when you put in the request though