Name changed as this can be identifiying.
I was given a provisional job offer, which I accepted. When the offer was initially made, I asked whether part-time working would be possible because the job advertisement stated that alternative working arrangements could be considered. At the time, however, I was told that part-time working would not be possible due to the nature of the role.
Since then, I have completed all the required pre-employment checks, but I have not yet received the formal employment contract. They have now contacted me again to ask whether I would prefer to work full-time or part-time.
I responded that I would prefer part-time work, but I did not mention that I could work full-time if necessary, although doing so would be difficult for me to manage. They then asked me what days and hours I would ideally like to work. They explained that full-time employees work 37 hours per week and said they would check whether my requested part-time arrangement could be accommodated.
I am now worried that if I push for part-time hours, they might withdraw the job offer. Given that I could work full-time if absolutely necessary, what would be the best way to handle this situation?