When to raise working hours/flexible working

[ABitOdd]

I am waiting to hear the outcome of a job interview I had Friday. The job was advertised as flexible/remote. During the interview the manager stated the core hours were 8-5 this job is 37.5 so I don’t see how that works? As a) it include all the hours and b) it’s more hours that the job is advertised as!
She also said once trained up remote working can be done on some days. I wanted to find out more but I really want this job so I didn’t want to probe more and potentially put them off me by asking what options were available!

Due to childcare I couldn’t work 8-5 everyday my sons after school club finishes at 17:15 and I wouldn’t be there until 17:45. I only need to pick him up one day a week alternate days so one week it’s Monday one is Friday for eg.

I don’t drive so rely on public transport the morning buses leave at 8! So wouldn’t be there till about 8:45 also my ds breakfast club doesn’t start till 8 so on the day I need to drop him to school I would have to wait till the 9am bus so wouldn’t get in til 9:45
there is an earlier bus at 6:45 on days I don’t take him but would mean waiting around for ages but I’m willing to do that of course.

if offered the job what do I do? I’ve been waiting for an opportunity like this for ages its a field I’m really interested in it’s a training post and once qualified it will open up so many possibilities and I know I would be fantastic at it! I’ve been doing it the past few years but my work don’t put people on this course to get the accreditation that would allow me to earn and progress. My current job is flexible with me as they know how good I am but I’ve gone to the top pay band there and no scope for progression as it’s a small business.

any suggestions?

basically ideally I would like to start one day alternate weeks at 9:45 (I could finish later) and finish at 3:30 one day a week (on different days)

would it be wrong of me to ask or would you just turn down the job in my circumstances?

Definitely ask rather than turning it down. I can't follow your post - the pattern you want sounds complicated - so when you ask leave out all the detail and explain as simply as possible what hours you want to do. Good luck

Sorry it does sound complicated!
basically week 1 I need to start at 9:45 one day and week 2 I need to finish at 3:30 on two days.

Don't turn it down. I agree about the 37.5hrs. I would just ask to clarify the core hours if successful and all whether you can have your needs. If it is just 1/2 days a week morning or afternoon it is likely to not be a problem depending on the role.

If you are offered the job I would raise it then.

Hopefully if they promote flexible working they would be ok with you doing some shorter days as long as you do longer days to make the time up!

Just put that second message in an email after the offer together with your enthusiasm and clarity as to how you could make the hours up (ideally give them two alternatives to show you're flexible)

Helps if you aren't also trying to negotiate other elements of the package

Yes, just ask

However, our core hours are 10 - 4. When we say flexible, we mean around those hours - a 330 finish would not be possible. However, staff can work between 830 & 630 once they are working within core hours, meet business needs & do their hours.

We have a blended working policy of so many days in the office, so many at home, and that's the same for everyone.

8-5 presumably includes unpaid breaks, but I'd ask for clarification on exactly when they need you to be available. Often employers don't mind a later start or earlier finish some days, provided you do contracted hours. Bear in mind you cannot just decide not to take your unpaid breaks; you have to have at least one.
I think 9.45am/3.30pm is a lot to ask for a late start/early finish, even on just one day each week. Are you prepared to finish at 6.45pm/start at 6.30am on those days, assuming 8-5 are the required hours?

Have you considered using a childminder? They will sometimes consider work outside their advertised hours.
Can your partner get a flexible arrangement to allow you to work those hours?
Longer term, could you learn to drive? As using public transport is restricting your work options then it could be an idea