Requesting a reduction in hours

[norris9]

Hello everyone...

I would like to work less as I am finding the job too demanding. I am someone who'd like to stay as a Postie for a long long time. I am relatively young and slim and healthy, but the job will no doubt destroy my body in time. I have been in the job a few years and have twinges of pain in my back and knees now and again. Even just the heavy legs I get at the end of the day is getting to me. I sit or lie down to relax wanting to enjoy my evening but my legs want me to switch off and go to sleep so they can recover. Walking 10+ miles a day 5 days a week is kind of mad thinking about it.

Is there a process within the company where you can actually request a reduction in hours for them to consider?

I'd like to do a 3 or 4 day week. Maybe a 3 day week would be ok with them if they also had someone else doing a 3 day week so we can split a round between us.

Anyway... is there a process to follow to request something like this. A form to fill out, or do I need to go to my union rep or line manager or DOM?

[Clappedoutpostie]

Have u had a revision in hour office yet, if not maybe u could request a 3 day week if there are others who want the same. The problem at the moment though is that if u get a 3 day week there will probably still be 6 days work for you to do!!!

[rogersh]

You could request part-time.

https://www.royalmailchat.co.uk/mrm/Fle ... ummary.pdf

From RM Policies - FLEXIBLE WORKING March 2021

Types of request

• Examples of flexible working include: part-time working, job sharing, term-time working, staggered
hours, swapping hours or shifts.
• If you have worked for Royal Mail for at least 26 weeks, you can request either a permanent
contractual change to your working pattern, or a temporary change if you only need it for a certain
period (less than 12 months).
• Your manager can locally agree informal requests where your contract doesn’t need to
be changed, they will just keep a record of it and give you a copy.

Formal requests ............... (see link)

[rambo1]

Have you any parcel duties in your place, very little walking involved.

[norris9]

You could request part-time.

https://www.royalmailchat.co.uk/mrm/Fle ... ummary.pdf

From RM Policies - FLEXIBLE WORKING March 2021

Types of request

• Examples of flexible working include: part-time working, job sharing, term-time working, staggered
hours, swapping hours or shifts.
• If you have worked for Royal Mail for at least 26 weeks, you can request either a permanent
contractual change to your working pattern, or a temporary change if you only need it for a certain
period (less than 12 months).
• Your manager can locally agree informal requests where your contract doesn’t need to
be changed, they will just keep a record of it and give you a copy.

Formal requests ............... (see link)

This is perfect, thanks.

[norris9]

Have you any parcel duties in your place, very little walking involved.

There are...but the hours/days they want you to work don't suit me.

[Lounge Lizard]

You could request part-time.

https://www.royalmailchat.co.uk/mrm/Fle ... ummary.pdf

From RM Policies - FLEXIBLE WORKING March 2021

Types of request

• Examples of flexible working include: part-time working, job sharing, term-time working, staggered
hours, swapping hours or shifts.
• If you have worked for Royal Mail for at least 26 weeks, you can request either a permanent
contractual change to your working pattern, or a temporary change if you only need it for a certain
period (less than 12 months).
• Your manager can locally agree informal requests where your contract doesn’t need to
be changed, they will just keep a record of it and give you a copy.

Formal requests ............... (see link)

This is perfect, thanks.

You can request part-time working or job sharing but that doesn't mean your manager locally will agree, and even if (s)he does it might never happen.

[POSTMAN]

You can request part-time working or job sharing but that doesn't mean your manager locally will agree, and even if (s)he does it might never happen.

Lounge, where you been??

[Lounge Lizard]

Had to take medical retirement five years ago.

[Boltonian-White]

Depends on your office and the duties in your office. Ask around about other offices in your area too as rurals tend to have less walking but a later finish time. If you're having problems walking just 10 miles a day and you're young( that's not too bad considering some 40+ do 15 miles!) also consider a referral to a foot specialist as there could be a problem with your feet. Before you consider dropping hours try everything you can to make the job easier on your body.

I've seen 3 day duties at 25 hours and 4 day duties at 32 hours, these are normally float duties. The way RM are going I think they want everyone on 5 days no matter what. It would also depend on your office revision as they are coming next year.