Is this covered by flexible working.....

[CoffeeMad]

Without going into too much detail...my shift pattern in work is coming to an end soon and I was asked in by HR mgr for an informal chat last year as to what I could and couldn't do shift wise.

Financially I need to keep at the same level of income so agreed to a shift pattern that involves night shift. This is not ideal as I have two children under three, but said I could just about manage it with a lot of family help. (don't want to leave)

A position has just come to light for the same job as mine in a different department on a shift pattern that does not involve nightshift... MUCH easier for me re: childcare etc etc.

Telephoned yesterday to express my interest in this post to the HR manager. However he couldn't say one way or another. I was wondering if I could apply for the different hours (without nights)under the flexible working policy? And if anyone would have any ideas how I could word it?

Yep, that would count as flexible working.

Have an explore of the www.workingfamilies.org.uk/asp/family_zone/f_flex_work.asp working families website]], lots of help there with making flexible working requests.

Usually you would need to explain how your request could be accommodated, but actually in this case it could very easily be accommodated if the position is there and vacant.

I'd be inclined to put in your application for this other job combined with a flexible working request, all together. Have a look at the website I linked to, plus this one as well, directgov, and see what you can come up with.

sorry, working families here

The spare position will become avail once the occupier has gone off on maternity leave, she has already said she doesn't want to come back. So was thinking of asking to cover her maternity leave as a way of easing myself back into a full time shift. What do you think?

The timing is perfect and it will be great for my children.

Thanks for the links I have now read both of them.. I didn't think this would be covered as it isn't technically a part time work request.

Doesn't have to be part time. A change in hours or something changing your working pattern would count.

I think the plan of doing the maternity cover is a good idea, and if she doesn't come back, even better!

Thanks for your help flowerybeanbag ... how should I word it? I was going to e-mail the HR mgr saying something along the lines of

....further to our telephone conversation on xxx I would like to formally apply for the position that will soon become available on the two shift pattern when xxx goes on maternity leave. This would help me to perform my job better as my childcare situation would be more under control, as
at present I am having extreme difficulty finding a solution when I will be on the nightshift. Therefore the nightshift shift pattern would be extremely difficult for me on reflection. As my children are both under 3 I will be applying for this change in working hours under the flexible working policy.....

What do you think?

I think apply for the job as if you are a 'normal' person, just saying you would like to be considered, say a bit about your experience or whatever.

Then say something like 'I am applying for this post as part of a flexible working request, please see attached further details of this.

Then separate document, put that you are making a flexible working request under the policy (do they have a policy specifically?), explain that you are requesting a transfer to x post under this policy, as, although the hours are not less, the working arrangements are more suited to you as a parent.

Then outline some of the benefits for them of this request, such as increased job satisfaction and morale and reduced stress about childcare (for you), meaning higher productivity for them; good staff retention rates- you and others are less likely to leave if they are amenable to this kind of request; agreeing to your request will demonstrate that they are a family friendly employer which will help them attract other employees when they are recruiting, etc etc

Thanks very much for taking the time to help me.

No worries, good luck with it

Actually, you could also point out that you feel this request could be accommodated very easily as the fact that there is a vacant position means that disruption to the business or any other employee would be minimal.