Maternity leave, flexible working

Minniethemoocher

I am due to return to work after maternity leave. I currently work part-time, and I want to reduced my hours worked each week by 2.5. Do I need to do this formally by requesting flexible working? Do I need to quote the legislation/Act?

Or can I just write a nice, polite letter to my manager?

Also, I have accrued leave based on my present working hours, if I reduce my hours, will I lose some of my leave? It is measured in hours per year, as I don't work a full week.

When I worked full-time, I accrued my full-time leave during maternity leave, even though I returned part-time, (and they knew that I was only returning part-time.

I don't know my rights on this though, if they try to knock off some of my leave because I have reduced my hours, which they may do, as my boss is like that....

slowandsteady_2

cant help with the annual leave but as for requesting flexible working where i work (NHS) there is a special form to fill in detailing what the hours you are doing now and what you want to change to and even have to explain the impact on the unit/other staff etc.
It would probably help to speak to your manager or HR but 2.5 hrs a week is not much so cant see it being too much of a problem, surely?
Hope you can sort it out

surreysaver

If you request it formally under flexible working, then it will be permanant, which will give you extra protection. If you do it informally, that may cause you problems in the future. Although doing it formally causes any alteration to be permanant, there is no reason it cannot be changed in future if both sides agree.

AsknAnswer

Just in case you aren't aware (many people aren't) although you have a right to request flexible working and your employer must give it reasonable consideration, you have no right to actually get flexible working.

Whether you write a letter to your manager or complete a form requesting it, it won't make a difference. In writing is in writing. However if it is granted just make sure you get your contract amended to reflect your new hours.

Mudd14

If it is in writing then the correct procedure must be used;

Taken from Direct.gov.uk

Your application must:

• be made well in advance of when you want it to take effect
• be in writing (whether on paper or electronically)
• be dated
• state that the application is made under the statutory right to request a flexible working pattern
• give details of the flexible working pattern you are applying for, including the date from which you want it to start
• explain what effect you believe the new working pattern would have on your employer, and how any effects might be dealt with
• state whether you have made a previous application and, if so, when