Part time with view to going full time

[arcticseasalt]

I have an interview for a public sector job next month. It's advertised as full time (37 hrs) with part time considered on a 'case by case basis'.

I really want the job, however I've been off work for over a year due to ill health and I'm a bit worried about diving straight back in at the deep end with FT hours in case I burn out. I'm considering requesting PT initially with a view to increasing to FT within six months.

Is this reasonable? At what point should I mention it, and how would I phrase it? I'm concerned about what I disclose health-wise at this stage in case it puts them off.

How pt are you thinking? I would be honest and say you are available to work 3 days or 4 days or whatever you actually want to work now.

Someone with more knowledge of the CS will probably be along shortly - I have only applied, never worked there (accepted other offers) . But that wording implies part-time being acceptable only if it works for them. I.e, you're a rockstar candidate, or a suitable combination of job share candidates is available. Compared to the job being advertised as PT/FT, or 'PT applications welcome'.

Personally, I wouldn't discount you from the hiring process for asking. But I'd still say no and ask you to pick one. We don't have the budget to hire a temp. Others may take a less charitable view however. You've already been off a year, but are still unsure of your health status. 6 months is a long time, also exactly the length of probation. What if you can't cope FT? I mean they can get rid of you with less than 2 years service but recruiting etc is expensive and time-consuming. Plus the job needs to be done.

I'd suggest you just apply PT, then find a way to increase your hours later. Do you need to work full-time at this stage?

What if you can't cope FT?

This is my worry. But if I don't try, I'll never know and I'm desperate to get back to FT work so I can have a normal life again. I think I can do it, and I applied with the view to working FT but am just mulling over my options. The role is hybrid so there'll be a few WFH days a week which will make it easier.

My health condition is endometriosis. It's such a bastard. I'm starting a new treatment this month which could really improve things, in which case I'll feel a lot more confident. I want my life back.

If your endometriosis is severe and has been going on 12 months then I would consider making the request if offered the role. I would make a flexible working request and say it is also a reasonable adjustment for your disability.

I have applied for full time roles snd negotiated 4 days/ 30 hours at a local authority.
It's not that uncommon.
But beware sometimes they dont make adjustments to workload!
If you were successful and worked 4 days you could ask at a later date if budget was available for you to go full time( but it may have been reallocated)

Thank you. The problem I have with the endometriosis is fatigue and pain in the run-up to my period but this is something I’m working on pushing through, and hopefully the new treatment will help combined with routine. I’m so bloody determined to make it work.

They offer flexible working, including compressed hours, so that’s another option - doing FT over 4 days.

I feel like I need some proper advice/support/info on coping mechanisms in terms of health conditions at work since I was self employed up until I became unwell, but I don’t know where to turn. I know lots of people do it. Maybe I should start another thread specifically on that?

If they offer working from home another reasonable adjustment would be allowing you to work from home during flare ups, perhaps offering to come in more when well?

https://www.endometriosis-uk.org/publications

This might help if you haven't already seen it.

Best of luck