Returning to work, but can I chose my hours?

[lianne82]

I saw my boss last week and he said to think about if I want to return to my normal hours or if I'd like to change them? Well I know he has ulterior motives as he needs me to drop hours so he can give them to someone else but that kind of helps me out as I don't want to go back full time! However my question for you is that if I email him and say what days/hours I want to work can he refuse? Also if he says no does that then cancel out my maternity rights as to return to my normal job?

 

[lianne82]

Anyone?

 

[Cupcake19]

I work for a local authority so may differ from private companies, I'm not sure. My guidelines were that you have a right as a parent to request a change to your working hours (i requested a change from 5 days down to 3). They are obliged to consider this request and get back to you. If they turn your request down, they have to give you good reason to do so and it's usually because the business/job wouldn't be operable if your changes were agreed. Therefore if they can employ someone to top up your hours to full time, I don't see why they would turn you down. This should not affect any of your maternity pay or rights.

Do you have a HR department, they can be really helpful

 

[lianne82]

Unfortunately we don't have a HR dept as it's a small dental practice, my boss is extremely sneaky too so I just wanted to check if I ask for differenty hours and he says no he then can't deny me my old hours?

 

[Vesta]

I was given the days I requested, along with the number of hours. However I wanted to do 9 while 5 but they insisted I do shift work. So yes I think they must have the right to refuse the hours you ask for.

 

[SabrinaKat]

Although they have a right to refuse your reduced hours, (under Irish law, and assume under UK law), cannot refuse your pre-maternity leave hours, if he tries, then contact your equivalent of the Equality Authority -- your request for reduced hours does not impact on your original contract!

best wishes