I need to go back to part time. Am I able to do this? Does this come under RA or flexible working?

Beechwatch

I went from part time to full time but after three months due to my disability I need to go back to part time.
Am I able to do this?
Does this come under reasonable adjustment or flexible working due to my disability?

Sandy_123

Hi @Beechwatch welcome to the forum.
I agree  speak to your manager or HR would be who you should talk to then see if there going to adhere to it. Then you can take it from there. Maybe get a referral to your works oc health.

janer1967

Hi and welcome to the community 

It could be classed as either reasonable adjustments are in the main requested due to health or disability 

Flexible working is in main requested for caring responsibility eg child care or carer for another person 

I suggest you first discuss with your manager or hr department.  You can request reasonable adjustments it is however a request and not a given but there needs to be a valid reason for rejection 

Beechwatch

What would be a valid reason to refuse? 

calcotti

You may find this informative
https://www.acas.org.uk/reasonable-adjustments
And
https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/work/discrimination-at-work/taking-action/asking-your-employer-for-changes-to-help-if-youre-disabled/

janer1967

In your case eg reduction in hours could be how the workload could be managed if they can afford to employ another person to take on the workload , if they can find right skill level

It's not likely reduced hours woul cause an issue

I was just pointing out that reasonable adjustments only have to be considered if there is a high cost or loss of business due to the request it can be refused 9r if it puts others at risk 

Beechwatch

Didn't know whether it matters that I only changed from part time to full time under flexible working (thinking that I can do the job) a short while ago?

I dont know whether it makes a difference but I work in public sector?

calcotti

Are you a member of a trade union? If so they maybe able to offer advice or support you.

janer1967

It doesn't really matter where you work but the expectations is the larger the organisation is the more resources there are to accommodate reasonable adjustments 

Have you asked yet to reduce your hours? 

I wouldn't worry it is a perfectly reasonable request and think you are thinking too much into it 

Probably my fault for explaining that it can be refused it wasn't my intention to cause you concern was just giving you information 

ScoliFibroGirl

Have you perhaps thought working some of full time hours from home if it’s practical in your line of work. Obviously not practical if you are driver, carer, work in retail etc. 
but could be possible for admin roles.

Stellar

Beechwatch said:

What would be a valid reason to refuse? 

in almost all cases there is no valid reason and its basically legalised discrimination.

OP you would be better off just looking for another job.

janer1967

@Stellar

Sorry to disagree but there are lots of valid reasons why ra can be refused which is why the legislation from the equality act makes the provision for refusal if the request is deemed un reasonable 

Hence the word reasonable adjustments,  it is not discrimination its called running a business 

If you had your own business and the cost of a ra put your business at risk and the other employees then you simply would not be able to granting the request 

[Deleted User]

Hi @Beechwatch

A warm welcome to the community.

Just wanted to see how you are getting on, and if you had managed to speak to your manager or HR?

All the best.  

Beechwatch

Thank you everybody I have spoke to my Manager whom has been helpful and accomodating. She has put in adjustments for me to work at a different location. See how I get on

Hugo51

@Beechwatch, great news, hope all goes well 

Tori_Scope

I hope that all goes well @Beechwatch It's great that she's being supportive. Let us know how you get on!