NHS Reducing Hours - Work/Life balance

bitemarx

Hi,

I recently reduced my hours at work from 37.5hrs pw to 30 hrs pw, because the (extremely difficult and random) shift pattern at my workplace was making childcare almost impossible. I opted for the reduction in hours in the hope that I would be doing less shifts per week so that I can manage childcare (and childcare related costs!) in a better manner.
However, I still keep getting six shift stretches followed by two days off then five shift stretch, etc which makes it really difficult for me to manage childcare. Ultimately, I am not much better off than I was earlier!

I was wondering if anyone had advice on what my next step should be? Can HR help in this? Is it legally reasonable for me to request that I not be given more than five days of shifts at one stretch so that I can better manage my childcare and spend time with my children?

I have spoken with my manager regarding this but she is not a helpful person, more the kind of person who says No to everything then waits till the staff member goes to HR!

Any advice and/or guidance would be greatly appreciated since I feel a bit stuck now that my hours have reduced (and so has my salary), but I'm not feeling much better off in terms of work/life balance.

Thank you, in advance.

marliepanda

It’s reasonable to ask. However it’s also reasonable for them to refuse.

bitemarx

marliepanda wrote: »

It’s reasonable to ask. However it’s also reasonable for them to refuse.

Yes, of course.
Perhaps I should have been clearer about my question: Are there other avenues I can use to ensure that I don't have to do these long six shift stretches?

marliepanda

bitemarx wrote: »

Yes, of course.
Perhaps I should have been clearer about my question: Are there other avenues I can use to ensure that I don't have to do these long six shift stretches?

Honestly, no. It’s entitely up to the discretion of your employer. Without meaning to be blunt, your childcard arrangements are none of their concern and they do not have to work around them.

Les79

Did you ask for anything else, other than moving down to 30 hours?

Less days? Specific shifts? Specific times out of work? etc etc.

If you merely asked for "30 hours per week" then I think you've made a hash of it. In fact, you could theoretically be made to work 10 days in a row if working 5x 6h shifts per week (aaxxxxx xxxxxaa where x = 6h shift and a = day off). The hours could also be pretty random too!

Maybe it is different for the NHS, but employees have a legal right to request flexible working hours. This can include requesting certain shift patterns, maximum number of days/hours per week, certain time off work etc.

Ozzuk

When I put my case together for reduced hours I specified what I wanted those hours to be (with the usual company/team benefits etc). Seems pointless otherwise. Don't forget your holiday will be reduced as well, and can impact pension. I'm sure you factored that in though.

I could be wrong but I think you can only ask once every 12 months. Not sure why, perhaps I misread it (maybe you can't appeal more than once).

getmore4less

With Les79 on this one.

you may have messed up the request by not being specific enough,

You don't say what you do or what cover is required but it seems that is is not a weekday only position.

Depends how the off duty is done and how requests are handled.
If you want more days off you need to do longer shifts, are long days or nights available, would weekend working give more child cover at home


If 7 day cover is required the regulations allow for a run of 24 shifts 2off-12on-12on-2off

TELLIT01

I suspect the OP has made the classic mistake of assuming that the employer will realise the reason for reducing hours without being specifically told. In this case the employer has done exactly what the OP requested by reducing the hours from 37.5 to 30 per week. If the OP now wants to go back and request a change to a maximum of X shifts per week, and presumably on fixed days, to facilitate childcare that will be a fresh request. Many organisations will only permit 1 change in a 12 month period because they need stability too.

clairec79

Feel a little bad that my immediate reaction was 'they only give you 6 day stretches can I work for your trust'

Some of my colleagues have put in for a set day off for child care reasons under family friendly - one doesn't work a Thursday, one a Monday - they still get the long stretches (and more often split days off)

However this then affects the number of requests they can make in a month


The only way really to avoid it would be to put in requests for a day off every X days - however this will often lead to in and out, I find if I have a long stretch I tend to be given a few days off together - whereas lately I haven't had more than 4 days in a row, but I've been in for 4 off for 1, in for 2, off for 1, in for 1, off for 1 etc