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Going back part time, what are my rights?

9 replies

mollysawally · 24/06/2008 00:23

Returning to work part time in July.

My manager keeps telling me he's still trying to work out where to slot me in so he can't actually tell me what I'll be doing when I go back.

Do I just have to wait and do whatever he decides or do I have rights?
Also, if I'm changing my hours, will I need a new contract?

OP posts:
callmeovercautious · 24/06/2008 00:38

Yes you have a right to recieve a reply so long as you have put in a formal request for flexible working.
see this site for more info.

Basically if you apply formally (there is a draft letter on that site somewhere) They have a set time in which to speak to you further and respond.

I would always recommend sounding them out first as your rights only allow one application in 12m.

Yes if you change your hours you sign a new contact, it is binding and if you want to increase hours you will have to negotiate agin.

gigglewitch · 24/06/2008 01:02

if you put in an application for flexible working then your manager has 28 days to respond to you.
Your other option might be to go back on f/t contract or whatever you had before mat leave, and use your annual leave entitlement to reduce the number of days you work each week iyswim.
cmoc has summed it up pretty well though, there isn't much i can add to what she's already posted

mollysawally · 24/06/2008 08:48

Thanks for the advice.

Does anyone know where I can get a sample/draft letter to aplly for flexible working?

OP posts:
mollysawally · 24/06/2008 08:51

I couldn't find it on the link above

OP posts:
blueshoes · 24/06/2008 09:15

Mollysawally, I don't think the flexible working regulations provide a sample application letter, I could be wrong.

You can use the structure suggested by my company's policy. It is very detailed but will help you think through all the issues from the point of view of yourself and your company and pre-empt questions from your boss:

Confirm that you are making an application under the Flexible Working Regulations.

Have you made a request to work flexibly before? If 'yes', when (must not be within a year) and what was the outcome?

Confirm you are requesting flex working to care for a child, the age of the child (must be below 6) and your relationship to the child.

Any days within 28 days where it is not convenient for you to have a meeting.

Describe your current working arrangements, new proposed arrangements and start date.

Describe the key elements of your role and how you can continue to maintain a high level of service with the new arrangement.

How will you maintain good commmunications when you are out of the office.

How will you meet the criteria for performing well and what evidence can you show.

How will you keep up-to-date with technical developments and training.

What IT/telcomms/remote working technology would you need?

What would you need to change in your working practices to implement the new arrangements.

What flexibility do you have if a client or other need were to conflict with your new arrangements?

What adverse effects would your new arrangement have on external clients, internal clients, your colleagues and the people for whom you work.

What benefits will this arrangement bring for the company and its clients (this always makes me laugh)

How will your boss continue to monitor your work and performance?

What are early warning signs that the flexible arrangements are not working.

blueshoes · 24/06/2008 09:15

Some guidelines for employees (read in full):

? To provide a carefully thought-out application.
? To ensure their application is valid by checking that all the eligibility criteria are met and that they have provided all the necessary information.
? To ensure the application is made well in advance of when they want it to take effect.
? To arrive at meetings on time and to be prepared to discuss their application in an open and constructive manner.
? If necessary, be prepared to be flexible themselves in order to reach an agreement with the employer.

mollysawally · 24/06/2008 09:23

Absolutly fantastic blueshoes!

That is exactly what I was after, thank you!

OP posts:
blueshoes · 24/06/2008 09:27

No problems .

callmeovercautious · 25/06/2008 20:22

I was thinking of this form Click on the link download the standard flexible working application form

You will need to scroll down a bit. I used it and cut it down into a letter instead of a form.

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