We have a lady on Maternity leave at present who wishes to return to work. before she went off she was doing a 4 day week and day release to do a course at a local university.

She has asked to return on the basis of doing a 3 day week.
The job began several years ago as a full time 5 day a week role giving support to our sales team and other matters in the office. The lady asked to reduce her hours so she could do the University course. We agreed because she had a good working knowledge of our product range and it was a better option than finding and training a replacement.

While she has been away the office she worked in has been relocated and amalgamated with another operation. the range of products has been expanded. The role the business needs her to undertake has also grown with the additional product portfolio.

We have said that the role really requires full time attendance but that we are willing to continue with the 4 day a week arrangement. The Lady concerned says that she cannot afford the child care needed for her to work the 4 days.

We feel we have been more than fair but, What position are we likely to be in if we refuse to move from our position?

Neil Mackay