When's the best time to ask to go back part-time?

[WhatFreshHellIsThis]

So I started a full time job in November, have one DC aged 3 and have just gone on mat leave with DC2 - due next week.

I am definitely decided that I can't work full time when I go back after this baby, but when's the best time to ask for flexible working? Is it towards the end of my mat leave, or should I broach it as soon as I can to see what they say?

I know I can't apply for flexible working until I've been there six months, which is in May, so should I do it then or wait until Jan?

Any advice gratefully received!

bump

any of you lovely HR people around?

Hiya Can't believe you are due already, doesn't time fly?!

I don't think you gain anything by asking too early, firstly because you still might change your mind about exactly what you want, but also because it will be almost impossible for your employer to actually assess a business case so early on, so they'll probably say go away and come back again anyway.

I'd say about 3 months before you are due to go back. That way it's close enough for business circumstances to accurately reflect what the situation will be on your return, making a decision easier and more informed, but far enough away to allow enough time to go through the procedure properly and appeal if necessary.

i agree with flowery- 3 months before they are expecting you back is what i did and they agreed it no problem.....

Thank you flowery and nowwearefour! I think I'm feeling a bit twitchy as I've just had to register the bump with the nursery, and have had to put down full time as I don't know if I'll get part time or not.....But three months' notice to the nursery is plenty as well, if I do manage to negotiate part time.

Can't believe this baby is due already either - time has just flown by! Now we just have to try and get this one out with less trauma than DS

Depends how long your notice period is - if it's 3 months and you apply for part-time work 3 months before your mat leave ends, you're a bit screwed if they say no! I think I applied for it in my 7th month to make enough time for them to book a meeting wih me, and consider my application, plus give me a little time before considering handing in my notice. Don't leave it too late!

I think i contacted my line manager a few months before my return to work to say that i wanted to use up my accrued holiday leave to work part time and then if this went well would put in an application under my works flexible working policy to request it permanently. I put it in a way that meant I could actually come back to work sooner rather than later, although its my companies policy for returners to take all accrued leave before coming back to work.

kiwinyc - that's great that it worked for you but if I had done that, I would have had to work my notice at full time, which would have been hellish. It depends how confident you are that your application would be accepted.

Hi ladies I am watching this one with interest as am going back school hours in September due to taking accrued leave to reduce my working day. However the thought of going back FT in January does not appeal at all