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Original poster

Reducing to part time hours

14 replies

baby1190 · 17/01/2022 22:17

Just looking for some advice. I'm due to return to work later in the year and plan to reduce my working hours.

I have been told verbally that they are happy for me to reduce my hours as requested. My preferred days of work are Wednesday, Thursday and Friday due to child care. I was told they can't give me set days as such and that I need to be "flexible". I am more than happy to help out if possible. Happy to change my working days where I can get child care if they ask me to help them cover shifts but feeling a bit uneasy about the situation.

For a bit of perspective I am a nurse currently working a Monday-Friday 9-5 job. Can they really phone me at short notice and say "actually you'll be working Monday instead of Friday next week".

Is there any rules about how much notice they need to give you before changing your shifts? When I put my request in writing is there something I can say to get clarity on their "flexibility" expectations and make it clear I am happy to be flexible if I am asked for assistance rather than being told no your working this day instead. The point in going part time was for routine and childcare and I'm worried I won't get that.

Any advice/guidance will be warmly received

OP posts:
Mangomammy · 18/01/2022 10:05

No advise, sorry!

I’ll be in a similar situation when I return to work - hopefully someone will know what the craic is.

user1487194234 · 22/01/2022 10:57

I would put in your formal flexible working request asap

user1487194234 · 22/01/2022 11:00

Sorry posted too soon
Set days and shift work are a difficult combination
Did you previously have set days
You want to get this sorted out properly asap
All the verbal assurances mean nothing

Atla · 22/01/2022 11:02

You need to put a formal request in writing and agree it with your manager (as opposed to HR).

Doing agency or bank would be a way to be able to pick your days. I used to have no childcare on Thursdays and I had to use my requests every month to make sure I was off.

Viviennemary · 22/01/2022 11:07

I dont think you can expect to get the exact days you choose. However, I wouldn't agree to be flexible if that means they can force you to do a certain day. Just ask for set days.

Kite22 · 22/01/2022 11:08

Only going on common sense here, and not being an employment lawyer / work in HR / nor even work for NHS, but, with that caveat....

I'd say that as you are working a job with set hours now (presumably a clinic type position rather than something like A&E) then they should be able to give you set days, as they will be employing a job share for the other 2 days (who will presumably also want their days to be fixed).
It would be different if you were working with colleagues who were all required to work on a rolling shift to cover something 24/7, but your role doesn't, so it should be fixed.

plus3 · 22/01/2022 11:09

The problem is they are your preferred days, but does it meet the service requirements? Are there other part time staff who also already work those days, meaning there is a reduced pool of people available to cover Monday & Tuesdays for example?
It is not unreasonable to request set working days, but it has to work for everyone.
That said, it would be pointless to roster you for a Monday if you absolutely have no way of covering that shift.

plus3 · 22/01/2022 11:18

You are able to request flexible working due to childcare for children up to the age of 12 in the NHS, but it can be negotiated on both sides.

WouldIBeATwat · 22/01/2022 11:20

@Kite22

Only going on common sense here, and not being an employment lawyer / work in HR / nor even work for NHS, but, with that caveat....

I'd say that as you are working a job with set hours now (presumably a clinic type position rather than something like A&E) then they should be able to give you set days, as they will be employing a job share for the other 2 days (who will presumably also want their days to be fixed).
It would be different if you were working with colleagues who were all required to work on a rolling shift to cover something 24/7, but your role doesn't, so it should be fixed.

Why would you assume there will be a job share partner?
WouldIBeATwat · 22/01/2022 11:22

OP you have the right to make a request. The organisation does not have to agree if there is a negative impact on other staff or the business.

Your lack of childcare on certain days may not work for them.

Kite22 · 22/01/2022 11:29

Why would you assume there will be a job share partner?

Because the OP is currently (or pre maternity leave) working 5 days and is now requesting to work 3 days and the amount of work is presumably going to be the same so there will have to be someone employed to fill the two days the OP no longer works (if the request is accepted). OP has said she works 5 fixed days in current contract and now only wishes to work 3 of them.

WouldIBeATwat · 22/01/2022 11:30

@Kite22

Why would you assume there will be a job share partner?

Because the OP is currently (or pre maternity leave) working 5 days and is now requesting to work 3 days and the amount of work is presumably going to be the same so there will have to be someone employed to fill the two days the OP no longer works (if the request is accepted). OP has said she works 5 fixed days in current contract and now only wishes to work 3 of them.

In 15 years of HR experience (including NHS) that’s a dangerous assumption. More likely the work will be passed to others/stopped.
WouldIBeATwat · 22/01/2022 11:30

Or the request declined.

Kite22 · 22/01/2022 15:52

Oh well, as I said in first post, I was only going on logic Grin
Well, that and 23 years of working PT.

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