What would you do?

[MadameCheese]

So, I went to see my manager today about returning to work . I would like to return for 2 mornings a week (8-2) (pathetic I know ). DS is going to a friend who is a childminder in our village, work is an hour away. Manager has had all sorts of problems covering shifts (there has been a major upheaval). She has had to say to other staff that she cannot be flexible and people can no longer work set days or hours. She said it would be very difficult to accommodate my request but will give it some thought (I appreciate it is really tough). If I cannot work these hours I don't feel I can return. Anyone else been in a similar situation? What did you do?

I think legally they don't have to accept you back on new hours if it's going to make things difficult for the job or the other people there, though they do have to consider it, they can't just turn it down without consideration. Sounds to me like you may be told that you will have to return to the same hours.

No, I appreciate they don't have to accept my request if it's not viable. I even said I would have to leave and pay back my mat leave wage, probably be better for all concerned . Thanks beanieb

Anyone else been in a similar position?

I have been in same situation and after my 1st request was turned down for "business purposes" I then made another application after the allotted time (think is a year) and was successful. TBH this was only because I had been on sick leave (due to family bereavement) and my jobshare was asked to cover the hours I didn't want to work. The only reason this was allowed was to facilitate my return to work.