Returning part time but no provision being made for how previous FT workload will be covered?

[fennelseed]

So where would I stand if that were the case?

Am going back 3 days a week (pro rata) but I strongly suspect that once I'm back I will be told that due to 'economies' my previous full time workload will still have to be handled by myself and 2 other departmental colleagues. There is also the threat that if one of those colleagues were to leave they would not be replaced. At the moment the management are being very vague (I think deliberately) about what will happen about the future workload.

We all had a full workload when I was full time and there is no anticipated drop in workload - I suspect they are hoping that we will just pick up the slack and I will do some extra (unpaid) hours from home. Can they do this?

Any advice gratefully received!

[Rookiemum]

I don't know the answer fennelseed as I am more or less in the same position I am going back 75% of f/t and my boss has cheerfully stated in front of HR that the role will not be reduced as they couldn't find someone to cover that 25%.

However as I was so keen to get the reduction in hours and as I think my job can just be covered in that time I accepted.

I think for you the only thing you can do is to stand firm on not doing extra hours, you won't be getting paid for it so why should you. Although I appreciate this is going to impact on your co-workers probably rather than management.

Do you think your coleagues will have to pick up the slack or do you think you could all stand firm otherwise they could end up resenting you even though its not your fault?

[Fennelseed]

hi Rookiemum
Not sure how it would work out - I am senior to my colleagues so all of the work is technically my responsibility. I think this is what they will use to their advantage in pressuring me in particular to put in extra hours to get the job done, as I have always worked extra hours in the past when necessary.

However I'm not prepared to put in a lot of extra hours now (and really can't as I'll be the sole carer for DC on my 'days off'). I would probably resign rather than take on an unrealistic workload, even though this would be very expensive as I'd have to pay back a lot of maternity pay.

I suppose my question is really at what point this is effectively unfair dismissal, as I will have been put in an untenable position if they haven't properly staffed the workload which needs doing?

[BaileysMilkshake]

Hi All,

After having DD I returned to work on 25 hours instead of my original 35. I returned to a new boss - a complete w*r who then in addition to my original role insisted I spend 50% of my time in his stinking office listening to him "bounce ideas off me" and "brainstorming".

But it was only when he started referring to me as his no.2 that I realised I was a glorified PA for him - him who cannot use a PC and has no people skills.

When ever I complained I had work building up he always insited that these sessions were invaluable and the rest of my job was not a priority - despite the fact I have obligations to report some things through a Government Dept.

However a month before my maternity leave started (Nov 06 - two and a half years after returning from DD1) I was sick for fortnight and he realised just how much had backed up - almost 6 months worth! He tried to lay the blame on me and I repeated to him about the priorities and listed the number of 'projects' I had been in on through these sessions. Back against the wall he then stopped the rest of the department doing thier jobs and got the work cleared in 3 weeks! (himself and 3 others doing it 7 hours a day, 5 days a week).

So speaking from experience I would have a return to work interview with your boss and explain to them your concerns. Agree a weekly meeting where you can discuss what's outstanding and find out directly from them what they want you to do about it in the time you have. Make lists of all the work you have to do and make sure you use this when in these meetings.

When I return after this baby (if I dont use my maternity leave to find something better) I may have to reduce my hours to 20 a week, and if that's the case - some hard a fast rules will need to be drawn up with my boss, unlike last time when I did'nt realise what a shit he was!

Good Luck

[Fennelseed]

Thanks BaileysMilkshake - god, egotist bosses, what are they like! We should all be issued with big sharp ego-popping pins as part of the office stationery.

Yes I think I'll have to be disciplined about having meeings and logging workload etc. They tend to resist this kind of thing but it has to be done.