Would you please read this letter, tis a request for flexible working and tell me if it sounds ok, pleeeeeeease....

[nappynoonoo]

I have a great working relationship with my employer and rang them today to discuss flexible working on my return to work. My boss has pretty much said he will do everything he can to let me work the hours I want He wants it in a formal letter thoug. How does the following letter sound?

Is there anything that I need to add or take out?

TIA

Dear ----,

Further to our telephone conversation today, I would like to send you in writing a request for part time hours on my return to work following my maternity leave.

I have been able to find childcare for 3 days a week from Monday to Wednesday. Therefore I would like to be able to return to work and do the following hours;
Monday 08.00-17.30.
Tuesday 08.00-17.30.
Wednesday 08.00-17.30.

I understand that there have been certain staffing restructures to the workplace since I began my maternity leave, so I am not sure if you would like me to return to my original job role. I am flexible within my job role so if my returning to work on a part time basis as opposed to a full time basis causes any problems, I am willing to take on any role that you wish me to, to be able to meet the needs of the business.

Looking forward to hearing from you regarding this matter.

Kind Regards
Nappynoonoo

[llareggub]

Do you want to keep your existing role? If so, take out the last paragraph. Why give everything away?

Personally, I would write something like this:

I would like to request flexible working etc

Set out what I want
Set out how I would think the rest of my job/hours could be covered
Set how the company might benefit from my working pattern
Ask to discuss options in a meeting asap
Say how I keen I am to come back and continue my career

See on x date

Yours sincerely etc etc

[flowerybeanbag]

exactly what llareggub said.

Don't offer to do anything otherwise that's what you'll end up doing. The flexible working request should be based on your current job, so talk about that, how it would be covered, how company would benefit etc

Don't put about your childcare, that's irrelevant.

[nappynoonoo]

Thanks, TBH I dont want to go back into my original job role, it's soooooo boring, but I will if that is my only option.

I will take out the bit about the childcare, thanks fbb.

[nappynoonoo]

How about this?

Dear ----,

Further to our telephone conversation today, I would like to send you in writing a request for part time hours on my return to work following my maternity leave.

I would like to be able to do the following hours on my return to work;
Monday 08.00-17.30.
Tuesday 08.00-17.30.
Wednesday 08.00-17.30.

The hours I would not be working could be covered by a job share practice with another part time member of staff. I think the company could benefit from this working pattern by having two people who know the job role and could cover for each other at times of holiday or sickness etc.
I will try to be as flexible as is possible for me, to be able to help meet the needs of the business.

Looking forward to hearing from you regarding this matter.

Kind Regards
nappynoonoo

[flowerybeanbag]

better, only comment would be would you actually be able to cover for your job share partner in the eventuality of him/her being off sick? If not, I wouldn't put that as a benefit...

Have a look at workingfamilies website here they have an online guide to help you with your request plus a factsheet you can download on flexible working which might have some more benefits for the business.

[nappynoonoo]

Thanks FFB, I will have a look and change the letter accordingly. I don't think it would be a problem with me covering but I suppose it's good to cover my back if I can't.