part-time wanting more hours

flofur

Hi,
Just wondering if anyone else is in the same boat as me, I've been working in retail for a couple of years now after giving up my full time job once I had my kids. I took a 15hr contract with a major retailer. I had a fantastic relationship with my department manager and could always get my work to fit around family life (other said I was spoiled having someone so nice to me !) Anyway, I always worked at least 30 hours each week even though my contract only says 15 and while I always had to work 1 late night a week overall my hours were pretty decent. My problem is I now have a new department manager and we are just not getting on at all, his just a young guy who thinks the only way he can get a name for himself is by making us all really unhappy. He is putting me on for only the bare 15 hours but dividing them across 5 days and mostly evenings when its hardest for me to get childcare. My husband works evenings in a factory and I'm having to rely on my elderly parents the evenings I work, not a problem one evening a week but anymore is a bit too much for them.
On top of this we have been told by the bank we can only get a mortgage based on the salary my hours on my contract state even though I usually work way more than these. Anyone on here been in a similar situation ? Any advice ? I really feel that the company is employing only part-time workers and not giving the extra hours to staff that need them.

myshirt

To be fair, your prior department manager was likely too good to you. Look at this from a longer term perspective, over the course of your time there you have on balance had it good, no?

Is it not completely and utterly unreasonable of you to complain as soon as the business needs change? This is your new department manager remember, and the business has been good to you, above and beyond your contract at times. I'd keep the head down and be thankful.

TheBeach

God I don't agree with previous poster at all. How can this woman keep her job if she she is working 3 hours a day and paying for childcare for it's probably at the same rate of pay as her own? This is exactly how women get pushed out of the work force. OP I'd advise meeting your new manager to discuss your concerns and try and get some hours to suit you both. You've nothing to lose. Good luck.

flofur

I can see your point myshirt but its very hard to keep going. I want to work, I don't want to have to rely on social welfare to keep my family going. I want my children to see their parents working hard and not growing up believing that its OK not to work as welfare will pay the bills. This company is well known for hiring mostly part-time workers and vary their hours up and down all the time, its a way for them to save money but also keep employees in line.
TheBeach, thank you ! I will try have a word, I was just wondering if anyone on here had any experience of the same kind of treatment and what their outcome was.

JTL

just a young guy who thinks the only way he can get a name for himself is by making us all really unhappy

I really think this quote is unfair. What has his age got to do with anything? Also, I have rarely met any new manager who went out of his way to make his staff unhappy.

Agree with other posters; have a meeting/conversation.

Mrs OBumble

Just look for a new job OP. You've been really lucky up to now, but it was never going to last. Anyways, you need a contract with more hours for mortgage purposes.

Companies are required to facilitate part time work for equity reasons but they aren't required to offer full time.

VincePP

Shifts of three hours are just unfair.

I'm a retailer and would plan rosters for the stores on a 6 hour - 7 hour shift mostly. The few shorter 4 hour shifts are given to those it suits.

In return we have virtually no staff sickies, no lateness and retain staff for a long time.

Happy staff = happy customers.

Hibernia93

I feel for you OP you probably won't admit were your working but I'm sure a lot will know from your story (they had a strike last year on holy thursday). Fortunately new legislation will be implemented into law next year and you must be offered a new contract in the new branded hour contract bill 2016.