Applying for a full time job when returning part time (NHS)

[GlitteringCat]

I currently work for NHS (Scotland) and a promotion in my team has come up. It’s a full time post but I am due to go on maternity leave a few weeks after the interview and return part time (my manager is aware of this). My manager is happy for me to apply but doesn’t know how it would work if I apply for a full time post but can only work part time. I’m a bit worried that I’ll get the role and then there will be issues when maternity leave finishes and I’ll end up with no job. As my manager doesn’t know I’m a bit confused by it all and was hoping there may be someone else who’s been in a similar situation.
thanks

You can apply and if successful ask for part time before you start, I'd be mindful of how this may affect maternity pay though. You also have the right to apply for flexible working (which can include part time) when in post, its not guaranteed though so a gamble.

How would asking before effect maternity pay? My current plan is to apply for flexible working a few months before returning but I think the possibility of getting a new role has thrown me a bit. Unfortunately anyone I ask about the flexible return and how it works, reducing hours etc no one knows the answer.

If they offer you the role, ask about whether there are options to do it part time. If they say no, you’ll have to decide whether you want the job or part time hours more.