Does anyone out there work a nine day fortnight?

[heymissytoe]

Hi there you guys
I'm in the middle of negotiating my return to work arrangements. I have just found out that my org. may grant nine day fortnight working to employers after I return to work. This means that some employees can work 70 hours in the space of nine working days with a day off every fortnight. I would like to know if anyone who has returned to work part time after having a baby has applied this pattern of working, i.e. working 56 hours (4 days a week) in the space of 7 working days so one day off every fortnight. In addition I would like to use annual leave to shorten any remaining weeks of work by one day. Has anyone else been allowed to do this and how did you do it? What arguments did you use to achieve this benefit if you have it? I would love to hear from you.

I am in the position of being able to return to work three or fours days a week and review the situation after six months. At the six month point I would like to apply the 7 day fortnight (working 56 hours in the space of 7 working days) and use annual to shorten remaining weeks aswell as taking advantage of bank holidays where applicable. If you are doing something like this I would love to hear from you on this thread so I can back up my case with info taken from real working examples.

Many many thanks

I'm on a 3 day week, but am going to approach employer for a 70% workload allowing me to work 5 days some weeks during term time and 3 days during holidays. I don't want to tie it to closely to fortnights as that will affect my non-term time working pattern too much. I will watch this closely.....

My former co used to offer this as a way of flexible working. However it didn't suit me as the day nursery that I used for childcare was only open 8 til 6. Don't forget that lunch-hours aren't included in the 35 hours and add extra time to the length of the day. Also means that you get less time with the kids on those days.

But if you've got those things covered go for it

someone i work with works a 9 day fortnight.it suits him very well. and he's a director, pretty senior, which i think sends a very positive message about the organisation.

Ah, this is an interesting topic. I work a nine day fortnight now. But, my employer is cancelling it due to radical budget cuts. However, it does seem to conflict with my right as a parent to request flexible working hours to care for my young child (who is now 20 months). I have another one due in May. And when I return from Maternity leave (probably about 3 months after the birth), I am considering requesting to work full time, but to do it 4 days, hence taking every friday off. This request will probably raise cane as the rest of the company who have lost their oevery other Friday off will probably not be happy that some still get it. But, it seems that their move to abolish the 9 in 14 scheme conflicts with UK employment law. I mean they are legally bound to consider the request. Incidentally, the company is American, and probably to very well versed in the European ways.

But, I'm interested to see how you get on...