I am over 55 can I insist that my employer gives me part time work?

Question

I want to work 4 days each week and not 5. Another member of staff at the same company has been allowed to do this does this mean that they should also allow me to do the same

Answer 1

You can insist, but your Company does not have to oblige.

Your Company would have to consider if:
* You come under the definition of the Disability Discrimination Act 1995.
* You are the parent or carer for a child aged 5 or less.
* You are the parent or carer of a registered disabled child aged 18 or less.

The law is changing to add carers to this. But even in points 2 and three, the Company has a duty to consider but not to agree, and allowing someone else to changes their hours of work does not set a precedent, sorry!

Answer 2

Being over 55 doesn't give you the right to demand a shorter working week. If a part-time vacancy arises, then you should of course apply for it. Why not speak with your line manager and make him/her aware that, should the opportunity arise, you would like to reduce your working hours. Most companies are looking to save money these days, and if it's at all possible I'm sure they will try to accommodate you in the not too distant future. It may be, however, that your role cannot be changed, in which case your only other alternative is to find a part-time job with another company. The fact that another worker has been permitted to make a change to part-time work, must mean that there was a part-time role to be filled at that time, but each situation has to be dealt with on an individual basis and must suit the needs of the business. (Oh, dear! Don't I just sound like a company worker! - but I'm not - not anymore, anyway!).

Answer 3

Unfortunately you cannot insist your given part-time, however you can have a word with the Manager and find out if there are any part time vacancies available and if so can you be considered. Do note that they could make you part-time and reduce your hours but still have you do 5 days, but just reduce the amount of hours you do per day! So if you do get offered a part-time position do make sure you know how many days/hours you will be doing and its in your contract.

Answer 4

I don't think there's any legal recourse for you to insist on a shorter working week. You can ask of course, but you've no right for it to be considered - even if they have set a precedence by allowing a colleague to do so.

Answer 5

If you have a serious medical condition, they may consider it. If you're unhappy working fulltime, why not change to another position or company. the money will be lower, but you will probably be happier.

Answer 6

It would help if you had a legitimate medical reason. However, there is a risk that the employer transfer you to a different position.

Answer 7

I would think that if there is any medical reason for you to work shorter hours then you're employer might consider it, but if there isn't then you're employer can't

Answer 8

if u r healthy enough 4 work,there is no reason to stop u from working.maybe u could sign agreement on yearly basis.u can't expect ur boss every benefits maintain.

good luck.

Answer 9

look ye lazy bugga, if you dont like it bugga off somewhere else theres plenty Poles Russians turks and albanians to fill you place.. bloody British bone bloody idol......regards Alan Johnson Secretary of State for Trade and Industry.

Answer 10

Well you can ask but i dont think they are obliged to give you part time if you have a full time contract... No harm in asking though :)

Good luck