Anyone part-time in NHS? Easy to negotiate?

[A1983]

I'm in a new job after maternity leave but still NHS and in a hospital. Most mum's I know return part-time, but being a new job and needing to work I applied for full time work. Most jobs are full time when applying too, if not all. The thing is im missing my 9 month old terribly, she is with a childminder and thankfully seems very happy.

I'd love to work 3 shifts a week, but understand that's probably too much to ask-and so 4 shifts/30 hours would help tremendously with my emotional state!! Plus ill use an annual leave day every fortnight so then that week will be 3 weeks.

Does anyone work part time in NHS hospitals? Was this granted easily? Any tips on what to say or how to approach the subject? I should really wait for another 2-3 months as I am new!

 

[A1983]

*3 days not weeks

 

[mrssunshine78]

I work for the nhs and work 3 12 hour shifts, I'm classed as part time but work 35 hours, for me it was quite easy to negotiate, but it fits with our working patterns and me working 12 hours actually makes it easier for them.

 

[MumToEva]

I got granted part time there recently. It was surprisingly easy! Flexible working legislation means that they have to consider your application seriously and give you written reasons if they turn you down. I applied for a job share rather than part time, as I knew my boss would turn down part time hours because she wouldn't be allowed to advertise for the other half of the position, but job share meant they could let someone who was already working full time fill the other half and then advertise for that person's full time post. Don't let them fob you off without going down the formal application route, as they did that with others in our place - insist on filling in the paperwork so it's properly considered.

 

[sue_88]

You are legally allowed to apply for flexible working no matter what organisation. Good luck x

 

[stripeycat5]

I work for a medical practice and they have been great. V.flexible and willing to negotiate. Like pp have said they have to consider it. Just be honest with them - if you dont ask you dont get..good luck

 

[A1983]

Thanks ladies! Couldn't agree more-im desperate to ask but I can't just yet as new and id feel I may stand more of a chance once they get to know me a bit better despite them having to give me reasons if they refuse.

On the job share front, I would jump at that chance but nobody else wants to be part time! There is someone off on mat leave atm but ive been told she'll definitely want to return full time.

Ill definitely fill in the forms, thanks for your replies, it helps to know it can be done...well hopefully if they agree. Some days I want to leave just because I miss my baby so much! I won't of course though. And 35 hours = part time, that's crazy!! I'd definitely want to do 8 hour shifts over 4 days as I literally cannot function after that 8 hour mark!

 

[Clairikins]

You need to check the policy as you need to have 26 weeks continuous service before you can be considered for a flexible work request, although you may have that from a different NHS trust? Saying that, they may still consider it, and if you talk to them quick enough they may have a reserve candidate they could offer your hours to negate them having to recruit again. Also, be flexible on the hours you want. You said dropping to 3 days would be too much to ask but you may find that is preferable as it is pretty difficult to recruit to 1 shift a week. Good luck!

 

[A1983]

Thank you I had to fill in a flexible working hours form as I have requested set full time shifts as child care need to know, and my manager said she'll review it in 3 months. So yes I too read about the the 26 weeks.. but I have been in a different trust for 5 years so no break. I think ill ask which hours would they prefer ie 3 or 4 days...but ill still wait a month I think. It was a while ago I was recruited-about 8 weeks ago, so reserves would most likely be in other work/want full time hours

 

[LoveCakes]

I think it completely depends on your department and role and how they would cope without you so there's no standard answer. They do have to consider it and respond to you in writing. I think if you put suggestions in for making it easier they're more likely to consider it.