Can a part time worker on Maternity Leave request to come back fewer hours?

[MadameCastafiore]

if they cannot feasibly do the job in the amount of hours they are requesting and it is not economical for the company to do a job share considering the fact that it would be too cost inefficient having two workers doing less than 20 hours a week between them?

Just need to check for a friend!!

Many thanks.

They can ask, but its up to the company whether they agree!

alot of companies have minium hours....as has been said. you are entitled to ask, they are entitled to say no.

Yes, they are entitled to ask. Flexible working covers any reduction in working hours, no matter what the starting point.

BUT

As others have said, the request can be turned down for valid business reasons. Worth having a look on Business Link if you are asking for a friend who is an employer, as you need to choose a reason from a set list of possible options. One or more will cover this situation.

Thanks guys - that Business Link website is very informative.