Flexible working

[Firsttimemummy23]

Morning all,

I have a meeting today and I suspect it's about me returning to work part time. My flexible working request was accepted September time and I have been on maternity leave since June (going back end of march)
I have just found out that my employer is no longer accepting part time workers and ones of the girls who told me this - her request was denied.

She messaged me yesterday saying that she thinks they're going to say I can no longer PT.

If this is the case, it will cause so many issues as I forced childcare around these days/hours (mil is looking after her) and if I'm expected to go back full time I will need to put her in nursery (it's unreasonable to ask her nan to have any longer than she's originally having her). Anyway I'm doing the maths and I'm going back earning mini wage so I'll be paying someone to look after her and I will literally be worst off.

I was under the impression that they couldn't back track? I understand childcare isn't their issue, it's mine however if this does happen I will be worst off financially. I am honestly so distressed thinking that they are going to back track.

This girl who messaged me told it was unfair that they said yes to me and no to them (although she didn't want to go back part time due to the loss of income) and the other girl she is a manager of a whole team while I am not so our jobs are the complete opposite. I think these girls have complained about me going PT.

Please be kind I'm very emotional already 😭😭

Ring ACAS before your meeting so you are aware of your rights before you go in. They are excellent.

They requested me to go in at 8.50 so they won't be open but I will call them after the meeting if needs be. Thank you!

I think your colleague is shit stiring. Your contracted hours are nothing to do with her. If her PT request was denied, that's for her to appeal - nothing to do with you.

I'm surprised your manager has not told you what the meeting is about - especially when it appears you are being asked to attend while you are still on ML.

Do you have your PT working agreement in writing?

I think so as well.

I don't want to sound heatless but her working arrangements is nothing to me. I have an email confirmation confirming my hours and days.

They said it's "catch up" they wouldn't even let me to take my child with me and I found it hard to get childcare especially as I'm not due back yet.

Sorry heartless*

I think they might backtrack but if you have the agreement in writing then I don't see how they can change it.

We had similar situation at my old job- basically they declined pt working for some people due to already having 1- 2 pt workers on the team. It's totally legitimate especially if it is a "business need".

Take a notebook and pen to meeting with you.

At the start of the meeting, admit surprise as being asked in and ask what the meeting is about.

If manager confirms it is about your hours say, “can I make notes so I remember later what is said” then make notes. Write down important details of the meeting.

tell your manager “this is a shock as my formal request for flexible working was agreed in September and I have organised childcare accordingly. I was keen to come back to work on that arrangement. Why does the the company thinks it’s allowed to change its mind at such short notice?”

An employer cannot simply change its mind about an agreed flexible working arrangement - they need a reason to deny a request so make sure you ask “why”.

At the end of the meeting recap your notes to your manager (”so these are the key points I’ve written down…) and ask what the manager thinks next steps are.

Make sure you state that as far as you are concerned your flexible working arrangement was agreed in September and now the employer is making it impossible for you to return to work as too little notice has been given for you to organise childcare, and that you are “surprised and disappointed” HR thinks this is legal when it concerns someone on maternity leave. Tell your manager you will reflect on what has been said and ask for a meeting again with HR present in a few days time. Then come back to MN and get some more advice!

Agree with the good advice above about taking notes etc.

I would reiterate the final point that you need to ensure you don't agree to anything there and then. Say you'll take it away and come back to them.

An organisation's decision to refuse future part-time work does not have as much bearing on past decisions. You can accommodate some part time workers but there often is a limit beyond which it start to get too painful and you say no more. Anyway good luck!

How did it go OP?

All went fine they even offered a pay rise and part time hours! Completely understanding that I may have childcare issue offered me to work at home with her and just do flexitime (so do additional work in the evening) however this is not needed as I don't think it's possible with a young baby but the offer was nice.

Turns out my colleagues are shit stirring and can't be trusted! It's good to know now and maybe even jealous? Who knows.

thank you so much for the advice I went in with so much info!

Glad it was positive! Sorry about the shit stirring colleague.

Blimey, that was unexpected. Hooray.