Part Time Days Refused When Everyone Else Been Previously Granted

[Debbie82]

Hi I hope someone can give me a guidance

I've asked to return to work part time, 3 days a week not quite doing 7 hours a day. For my level they have always granted a 3 day working week providing you work a Monday or Friday and do at least 5.5 hours a day which I included in my request.

However, my request has been refused on the grounds that it no longer suits them to have people working 3 days and the minimum I can work is 4 days doing at least 7 hours.

They've said they're trying to re-dress the balance of people working part-time, starting with me

I work for a very large employer who claim to have a family friendly working policy. I'm a member of the union but would rather get it resolved without going down that route firstly.

Would the fact that everyone before has been granted 3 days weigh in my favour?

Also just to add as I've twins it has been a real struggle to get a childminder who has capacity and the one I've finally found and like can only watch them 3 days.

Any input would be appreciated xx

 

[Dinah93]

I would go speak to the union yourself, don't openly get them involved at this stage, but seek their advice. I don't think 'redress the balance' is a good enough reason to refuse part time working!

 

[MrsRH]

I would go speak to the union yourself, don't openly get them involved at this stage, but seek their advice. I don't think 'redress the balance' is a good enough reason to refuse part time working!

I agree.... get as much advice as you can before you appeal


x

 

[Debbie82]

Thanks guys, advice definitely seems a good idea.

It's just hassle I could do without, especially since what I offered to work would never have previously been a problem x

 

[ClaireLouise]

I kind of had this when i returned to work. They refused me working one day less and i now still work full time - 5 days a week and 8 hours a day. The only comprimise i could squeeze out of them was finishing at 5 instead of 5.30 and taking 30 minutes for lunch instead of an hour.

I understand where theyre coming from, as so many people in my office work part time, different hours, different days, that it is hard to cover when we are short staffed. usually ends up with me being over stretched! But i use this in my advantage as they are quite flexible with me in other ways (as i was the first person, not just working mum, to be refused part time hours) and i feel like its a you scratch my back, il scratch yours IYKWIM??

Anyway, the only other thing i could think of is would they be prepared to employ someone to share your hours? Not sure what job you do but if they are a big firm i think they could accomodate you?

Job shares work most of the time, you would need to look up the pros and cons xxx

 

[sw121]

Have you made a formal flexible working request? I.e. in writing and they held a meeting with you within 28 days? If so, then legally there are only certain reasons they can give to decline a request and "redressing the balance" is not one of them. Have a read of the flexible working policy (if they're a big employer they will have one). If you've not made a formal request yet then do so and explain how you think they can accommodate it - they then have to give you one of the legal reasons for declining, which you can then appeal against if needs be.

and yes, worth having a quiet word with your union at this stage - plus they can accompany you to meetings when you make a formal request and they can help you put your case to them.

 

[Leeny]

I'm in a similar situation, i have been refused part-time although 3 other members of staff (we were all on maternity at same time) were granted 4 days, although we all initially asked for 3, i was outright refused (i'm also the least senior of the 3) but i've found a good leaflet i'm going to use to start with before i get to the point of unions. The link is below, but thought the following quote from it might help...

“There are no part-time vacancies”

This is NOT a good reason. To avoid discrimination, an employer must seriously consider every request from a woman asking to work different hours because of her childcare responsibilities. A policy of not having part-time work is likely to be seen as discriminatory in itself. Also, your employer should be looking at how you can do your present job on a part-time or more flexible basis, not looking for other part-time work. The reasons for not offering part-time work must be carefully considered. For example, if there is too much work for a part-timer, your employer could recruit a job-share. Given v Scottish Power plc (1995)

Mrs G wanted to start job-sharing after her maternity leave. The company said this was not possible for someone at her level and ruled out any other options. Mrs G resigned and the employment tribunal said there had been indirect sex discrimination and awarded her £35,000.

https://www.maternityaction.org.uk/sitebuildercontent/sitebuilderfiles/cfwh.pdf

 

[Debbie82]

Thanks for all your input.

Leeny that link is great. There is a girl who does the same role as me and she really wants 3 days too so we've already discussed putting forward that we job share.

I really want it resolved sooner rather than later as its really stressing me out xx