Help! My employer has refused flexible working request but I just can't leave my baby all week

[toobusyreading]

Hello everyone. Hoping someone out there might have some advice.
My employer (who I have worked for for over 8 years) has just refused my request to work 4 days not 5. He does have good business reasons for doing this but my DD is IVF (2nd go)and I just can't contemplate going back full-time after all that. Unfortunately I need a job as DH is a student, but I feel my boss has got me over a barrel now. I do love my job and colleagues but am thinking I will have to resign and try to find a job locally.
I have appeal hearing next week so if anyone has any advice that would be great.

Are you able to tell us what line of work your in?

It's publishing but I'm actually a PA (to a very needy man)

What reasons did he give for turning down the application?

Do you really think the job can be done part time?

If you tell them that the alternative is you resigning what do you think he will say?

When you say he does have good business reasons what are they??

is there no option to work from home to reassure him that it could work?

Ooh that is a difficult one as I can see that he would need someone there full time.

Is there one day a week that is always a bit quieter?

Remember a job share is always a good option as it is far harder to argue this won't meet business needs.

If you a PA I can understand that 4 days might not work. Could you do 5 shorter days instead?

was just about to suggest the same thing Portofino

Why can't a PA job share work??

My advice is compromise. I can totally see why someone would need a PA 5 days a week, absolutely. So compromise and try to meet him half way. Job share is a good option to consider, or possibly working 5 shorter days or similar, but compromise is the way to go.

What about 3 full days and two half days?

You could suggest a trial period?

I agree ask for a trial period if you think you can make it work, although i asked and was turned down if fact i tried all the suggestions mentioned below, i even asked for a job share with my mat leave cover and was turned down,
good luck hope you are successful