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Care & carers

CUTTING HOURS OF WORK

(35 Posts)
Donenow1 Sun 13-Apr-25 20:03:55

Hello Everyone. A little bit of advice needed. Daughter expecting a baby later on this year, I'm also a Carer for my partner. Am seriously thinking of cutting hours to help Daughter ( she does have a lovely partner as well) and as well as that, the Care needs of my own partner are increasing. I have been thinking about this for some time. How much notice and how would you go about cutting hours. I do absolutely understand that my employment could well refuse and in that case I would have enough savings to see me through a year whilst I found something very part time. I do like my job and have lovely work chums but due to family commitments I'm going to have to cut down. Any thoughts gratefully received. Thanks all.

MaggsMcG Tue 15-Apr-25 18:48:59

The first thing to do is talk to your manager they may want the request in writing. I cut my hours down for about a year just before I retired. I stopped working on Fridays. I was very lucky that my team were all happy with the arrangement.

Donenow1 Tue 15-Apr-25 19:36:31

mabon1

Your partner comes first no matter if you cut your hours. Your daughter is very selfish IF she expects you to look after them as we as your poorly partner. Why would you put a perfectly health woman and partner before your partner, I just don't understand you at all.

I think you've slightly misconstrued my post, my partner is my first call for care and IF MY DAUGHTER NEEDS SOME HELP I shall be delighted to help if she asks, in no way are either her or partner "presuming" I shall be helping.

Donenow1 Tue 15-Apr-25 19:39:57

silverlining48

Have you discussed this with your daughter? Your partner?
If your partner needs care which is increasing I would hold back on deciding until much closer to the time of the birth.
Dont take on too much at the outset as redundant cling it Kater is hard to do as once it has started it’s expected.
Carers allowance is only for those under retirement age and isn’t very much.
Congratulations on the new baby. 👶

Many thanks Silverlining, I won't be taking on very much at all re Baby. My Daughter will be a SAHM for some considerable time which is good.

Donenow1 Tue 15-Apr-25 19:42:19

Tenko

Have a discussion with your boss . Several years ago I cut my days from 4 to 3 because my mum was needing care. My boss was fine with it and I gave 2 months notice . I’m assuming your boss knows you’re a carer for your DH .
Age uk are very good concerning benefits and what’s available in your area .

Yes, my Boss does and has been very good. Now interestingly, same as you, a close friend has suggested a two months prior request to cut hours.

Tenko Tue 15-Apr-25 20:49:39

I felt 2 months gave them plenty of time to find someone to fill my day . And I’m glad your boss has been good

Barmeyoldbat Tue 15-Apr-25 21:09:16

I think you might also be able to get a reduction in your council tax if there is two of you and one is being cared for. Look into it

Annie71 Tue 15-Apr-25 21:22:51

Lots of good advice here but can’t understand the negative posts. The OP is obviously a loving partner and mother, she takes care of her partner and looks forward to being part of her new grandchild’s life when her daughter returns to work.
I hope your employer can agree to a reduction in your hours and that you and your partner are able to spend many happy hours enjoying the new little one.

RillaofIngleside Wed 16-Apr-25 08:09:16

I can't understand the negative tone of some if these posts either. It sounds like a good plan. You have thought it through and are looking forward to seeing your grandchild more as well as supporting your partner. You might even find some time for yourself and your friends? The only thing I would be careful about is leaving work and living on savings while looking for another job. In my experience it's always easier to get a job when you already have one, so I would apply for other jobs before you resign. It's not always easy to replace savings and you might need them for a comfortable retirement. Good luck.

NotSpaghetti Wed 16-Apr-25 08:57:00

RillaofIngleside - so true re getting a new job.
Even more so I think as we age!