Maternity leave/ flexible working agreement

[Megan1591]

This is really long winded.
I am currently on maternity leave from my branch manager role.
During my pregnancy the company that I work for sold my branch to a new company. Before my maternity leave, I was working for the new company from September- November. During that time I had no support, no line manager, very little response on emails and no pregnancy risk assessment.
I gave birth in November,
They paid me incorrectly and I had to send correspondence to prove it was incorrect just days after to giving birth.
I enquired about flexible working agreements and keeping in touch days. I asked that if I could be considered for a 3 day working week with the rest of the time being available by phone.
They responded saying that is not something they do, but could Potentially do reduced hours over 5 days. This doesn't help me in regards to childcare.
I responded with an official flexible working request application, stating my reasons and explained that late in pregnancy I was working reduced days with no detriment to the business/also they haven't covered my position.
That was 6 weeks ago,I've had no further response.
I've put in holiday for June in January, no response.
They agreed to some paid dates for kit days, they then sent an email at 9pm the night before saying they wouldn't be necessary only to backtrack an hour after the shift should of started and I had cancelled my childcare. This is causing me so much stress and making me feel like they don't want me to return?

Try speaking to https://pregnantthenscrewed.com/ or ACAS for advice

I would t want to return tbh can u look for another role with better flexibility

Honestly your requests isn't very clear: it sounds like you want to do three full days and be available if needed on the other two by phone.? What had you in mind pay wise for this arrangement. You hardly think they'll pay you as normal?

I asked that if I could be considered for a 3 day working week with the rest of the time being available by phone.

I'm not surprised they said no, that was not a very credible proposal.

They have 3 months to respond to a statutory flexible working request, so kicking off after 6 weeks is silly.

It sounds like you're doing all/most of this via email? Have you tried phoning them if you're concerned your holiday request has been lost in the system?

When are you due back?

Did they arrange a meeting to discuss? (They don't have 3m to do this it has to be within reasonable timeframe, the decision has to be made within 3m currently )

When they responded did they give a clear business reason?

Worth noting from April you can submit 2 flex requests a year and employer has to consider how they can make it work rather than the onus currently being on the employee to state impact on business/mitigations. And time limit to discuss/agree reduces to 2m (I believe without googling).

Hi,
I asked to work 3 days and be paid 3 days a week. I would be on call via phone to ensure the branch had support if needed.
I haven't kicked off after 6 weeks, I just asking for any advice. I asked them if they have update that is all. It's a daunting time returning after maternity leave, without the lack of communication.
I contacted ACAS and pregnant & screwed today. They have 3 months to come to a final decision, this includes appeal time too.
Thanks all

Also they don't answer the phone and have no voicemail set up

I was hoping to return in may and have obtained nursery from May.
I received enhanced maternity pay and would need to get pay it back if I don't return.