returning to work after maternity

jones160312

I plan on going back to work in Feb after having my little girl but i would like to go back part time (childcare costs too much, also we now only have one car). I was working 40+ hours over 5 days but would like to work 20 hours over 4 days. Can my employer refuse this? Also when do I need to contact them to discuss?

Any advice appreciated

19lottie82

Yes they can refuse it. You can put in a flexible working request and they have to consider it, but ultimately, they can say no.

Aryndeneth

This is a good linkto your rights in law. http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/Employment/Employees/Flexibleworking/DG_10029491

Also check your maternity policy at work if there is one and your family friendly/flexible working policy,again if there is one. This should tell you when you have to inform your employer of your return to work and the process to apply for flexible working. If in doubt, have a chat to HR.

As the parent of a child under 16, you have the right to request. Your employer can say no but only if they have a good reason to not be able to accommodate. If turned down, you may be able to appeal. If turned down again, you can't apply again for 12 months.

The more notice you give your employer of wanting to work flexibly, the more time they have to explore options to reasonably accommodate your request in time for your return. If you don't give them much notice, if they do say yes, you might need to return on your current working pattern and start flexible working at a later date when they've had time to make necessary changes.

Savvy_Sue

You should definitely consider how this would work, eg are you suggesting that you could be part of a job-share, is there now only half a job for you to do? the employer can refuse for business reasons, but if you've put some thought into what reasons they might have for refusal and address those issues, it helps!