returning work-requesting flexi worl

[firewatch]

hi all im due to return to work in a few weeks after maternity leave. I am late in getting my flexi request in but have had to put one in as i cannot afford the day care for my daughter(its a rip off) (we get naff all from the gov, they dont seem to understand a retained fire fighter gets f all each month on top of a crappy minimum wage factory job). I have put in a detailed plan but just know they are going to refuse it. I have said to them that if i cannot reduce my hours i will work out my 6 weeks then leave, i do not want to but will be forced to if i cannot reduce my hours. is there anything i can go in with to convince them to go with my plan? I have a very strict routine with my daughter who needs alot of skin care (she has bad excema). Please i am absolutely desperate if any one knows what i can do or say i would be greatful!

[boxtops]

I imagine that you have an HR department in the fire service? - if so why not speak to someone there, to clarify your position. We have a maternity policy where I work and the rules about maternity leave, how to come back, etc. are all clearly laid out. It sounds as if it will boil down to whether the fire service can offer you reduced hours - it would presumably mean changing your contract of employment - and as with other national bodies facing budget cuts this year, they may find it difficult to fill your hours with someone else. I do suggest that you see advice from the HR people - do you have a union rep who would also know the score?

[firewatch]

sorry, did not make it clear my husband works for the fire service. i work for a homeless shelter. im all over the place with the stress of it all! the fire service have been fab, if i can get the working pattern i want they have said my husband can have a few hours of each evening for childcare. They are fab employers, and the union is all ways there if we need them.

[boxtops]

sorry yes, I misunderstood.

[firewatch]

we earn about 28 grand between us, but after all the bills at the end of the month we are left with just enough for food (im still on SMP). We get about 5 grand of child tax credit, the idiots at working tax credit have lost our forms so i am waiting for replacements.

[firewatch]

i understand that they are good hard working people redhelen, but its just got my goat a bit that the forms have gone awol so soon to my return to work.

[LisaB]

Hi Firewatch. If you've not yet managed to resolve the issue, how about suggesting a job-share? The company I worked for when returning from Mat Leave didn't really go for the idea until I actually found someone I could share the job with myself - then they began to see that it solves lots of problems. For a start, if one of us ever was on vacation / off sick, the other could cover at short notice and no-one had to explain the job to a temp! Worked well for us and I'm surprised it's not more popular. Good luck!