Can my work (NHS) stop me working specific shifts?

[tgm1974]

I currently work for the NHS and have been in my new role, after previous redundancy, since October 2009.

My role includes me working shifts either 7.30am-2.30pm or 2pm-9.30pm. Next year once we are married we plan to have another baby.

Does anyone know where I would stand re working hours as I personally feel it would be unfair to leave my partner looking after two young children for 2 late shifts out of the week - I work 5 days, full time hours. Ive thought everything through and I could still make it into work for the 7.30am start even after dropping them off at childminders for 7am.

I appreciate people may say that as a couple we have to work together to sort the children out whether or not that be that one of us is left to cope with two children of an evening by bathing them and putting both to bed, but personally I think its a little unfair ... especially for a man!! LOL! You know how us women would cope regardless but Id be on edge worrying how he was surviving.

Can my work (NHS) stop me from just working one particualr shift (ie:the early) as Id have to leave my job otherwise.

Hope this is understandable

Many thanks

[buildersmate]

I think your question is 'do I have a right to return to work on a part-time basis after maternity leave'. The answer to that is 'no' but your employer must seriously consider such a request and give reasons why not if refused.

This wording : You have the right to ask for part-time or flexible hours and your employer has a duty to seriously consider your request. Your employer must have a good business reason for refusing. You may be able to rely on sex discrimination law if your request is refused and you do not think your employer has a good business reason for the refusal. Since April 2003 the right to request flexible work involves a clear procedure, which both you and your employer must follow. You should make a written application and your employer must then arrange a meeting with you to discuss it within 28 days, unless your request is agreed at the outset. .............. came from this website :
http://www.askbaby.com/returning-to-work.htm
........ and it summarises neatly my understanding of it. However the NHS MAY have specific policies about this (more flexible), and one of the NHS employee on here may have more knowledge about the NHS.
I think you would be best asking for part-time work - not a straight change to 5 morning shifts only. You have no rights to demand the employer succumbs to that.

[tgm1974]

Yes Ive read that the NHS will accommodate you as best as possible but the feeling I get from the office where I work is that "specific" people would probably have something to say if I just asked to work certain shifts. I suppose I just need to look after myself!!!!

[buildersmate]

....... which is why the previous Government altered the rules so the request had to be put in writing and be subject to a formal meeting ....... so a boss couldn't just dismiss the request with a pat on the head and a statement: 'there, there, little Jenny, you don't want to be doing that - just run along back to work like a good girl'.

[tgm1974]

LOL!! Cheers for the advice.

Ive just passed it by my boss turning the conversation around my sister who also works for the NHS and is on her 3rd child. Dont want to ask as myself in case they discrimminate against me before it happens. Should I have another baby then I will act like it was a surprise when really Im planning it! Terrible arent I??

Anyway .... Im within the NHS now so if push comes to shove then I can move jobs within the company and keep my current NHS benefits!!

[Addy123]

Double check the statutory maternity law, it changed recently. I think not only are you entitled to 12 months, but you can also transfer it between father and mother, so it might be worth looking at that.

It will also tell you about flexible working etc.

[rowanwitch]

You may find some colleagues will be unhappy as it means they will have to pick up the less popular shifts... It is really galling sometimes when people come back after having children and get their hours sorted out before the rest of the off duty is done... What I would suggest and it will be appreciated by colleagues is you offer to do a few lates...leaving other half to cope.....he will... and take the friday pm ones freeing up the younger staff to go out... you won't need to do it very often but it will make a big difference..