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Original poster

Civil service job advertised as part time but want full time

18 replies

Brysonette · 30/07/2021 14:37

Hello, I applied for a civil service job at EO level position (there are 10 posts available) as the job was advertised as suitable for 'part time, full time and flexible working'. This was in the text of the job advert.
I was successful and have been offered a job but now, speaking to HR about part time options, I'm expected to do 8 weeks full time training, which I can do, but then APPLY for part time working which they can refuse!
It's really frustrating! I've asked again but same response. It's a fabulous job for me so I'm tempted to risk it but long term I really really need to work part time.
Any ideas to get them to commit to a part time role or do I just risk it?

OP posts:
Starfleck · 30/07/2021 14:44

I'd be surprised if after they had trained you they would reject an application for part time working. It is odd though as they can do contracts part time from the off, I wonder if the full time training means that to ensure pay etc is correct for that period it's easier to treat as full time? All you can really do is ask, have you been allocated a line manager yet?

ahoyshipmates · 30/07/2021 14:57

Perhaps you might suggest to their HR department that they are discriminating against women, who are the ones most likely to need a part-time job, and who are also the least likely to be able to do full-time training - for the very same reason that they need a part-time job in the first place.

Reallyreallyborednow · 30/07/2021 15:07

part time, full time and flexible working'. This was in the text of the job advert

This is bog standard text. Unless the job is actually advertised part time, then it’s full time, but as you’ve been told you can apply for PT once in post.

It tends simply to be budget. They need a full time post, so that’s what they advertise. PT is usually only advertised if a member of staff is already working PT, then the budget is for the remainder of those hours to equal one full time post.

It’s no discriminatory. They need someone to work full time. If you do successfully negotiate PT they will then advertise the other “half” of your job as a PT post.

TheQueenofMoo · 30/07/2021 15:10

Personally I'd withdraw now.

From my own bitter experience, being able to work full time (albeit on a temporary basis for training) will be held against you in any applications for part time working.

Orf1abc · 30/07/2021 15:12

Towards the end of the training they'll tell everyone what shifts are available and you'll be able to signal your preferences. If this is the DWP or HMRC then they are very open to part time workers, but it will be according to what the needs of the particular team/ office is.

AnneElliott · 30/07/2021 15:19

Which Department is it? Most allow flexible working and are unlikely to refuse unless it's not where it's public facing or can't be accommodated for business reasons.

Can the line manager not give an indication of whether they'd agree it? Or can you ask if there are people there already that are part time? That will give you an idea of how flexible they are.

Wester · 30/07/2021 15:55

Civil Service approach is to approve part time/ Flexi unless there is a business reason not to.

It was advertised as full time/ part time/Flexi so they have to consider your request for part time.

Doorhandleghost · 30/07/2021 17:35

Ask to speak to the hiring manager and negotiate with them directly. HR can’t tell you really whether a certain working pattern is available as it’s dependent on the needs of each team/role.

I’d get it agreed in writing before you start, so it’s clear that the 8 weeks FT is an exception. It can take ages to get flexible working agreed and there is no guarantee it can be agreed or accommodated within business needs.

As a civil service hiring manager I would much rather it was sorted out before you started so we all know where we are!

Original poster
Brysonette · 30/07/2021 18:05

Thank you everyone for your responses, they've been very helpful.

There were other jobs advertised for the same department that said 'full time only' and they do advertise themselves as being very flexible and open to part time working so I would hope they are. I would like to get it sorted out before I start too otherwise we could end up wasting everyone's time.

I'll ask for the contact details of the hiring manager, thanks for that. I don't yet have a line manager so can't ask them.

OP posts:
Medievalist · 30/07/2021 18:14

Civil Service approach is to approve part time/ Flexi unless there is a business reason not to.

^^ This.

If they argue that there are business reasons to refuse your request, then you could ask if they would consider flexible working options. Most organisations seem to be planning a hybrid approach to working in an office/from home. Or perhaps compressed hours - I work with someone who works his full time hours over 4 days.

Hawkins001 · 30/07/2021 18:17

I'd take the risk, better try than not try at all.

Hawkins001 · 30/07/2021 18:17

Besides, gives you extra skill sets and training

Sunflowergirl1 · 05/08/2021 08:24

A lot of civil service recruitment are useless. I have often seen examples of roles advertised incorrectly, ie grade and hours etc.

My understanding from friends who are civil,servants is that they will,usually look favourably on a request but don't bank on it if it means leaving the role!

Danikm151 · 12/08/2021 11:37

A lot of jobs will require full time whilst training and then once in your actual role hours can be decided.
A friend of mine was hired for 20 hours a week but had to work full time for training for around 6 weeks. She claimed the extra childcare costs back via UC, it was a struggle due to paying up front but once hours dropped down it evened out.
I think you should take the job and strongly indicate your preference for part time. It's a foot in the door.

Original poster
Brysonette · 12/08/2021 15:03

To update, I've been chatting to DH and I can work full time probably for up to a year but apply for part time hours sooner than that! 4 days a week would just about work and I think they'd go for that. The job looks fantastic and is a development role with fast track promotion in 12 months so I don't really think I can turn it down. We'll have to make it work until I can work part time!
Thanks for an the responses, they've really helped!

OP posts:
Original poster
Brysonette · 08/12/2021 19:51

Just an update for anyone in a similar position. I've now joined the civil service and had my 3.5 days part time hours approved without issue, hooray!

OP posts:
Hello1290 · 12/12/2021 19:11

That's great news - thanks for updating.

Squeek1 · 24/05/2023 20:50

Hi just wondering what the outcome was? I'm going through a similar thing. I stopped applying for jobs many years ago as no-one would consider anything but full time. I've finally gone for a civil service job and I'm terrified they won't support it. Despite being advertised as part time full time flexible hours etc the interviewer accidentally said everyone was full time 😞

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