Part time hours with NATS?

[sparky321]

I have recently been accepted onto the NATS training which I am very excited about.

However, I have since found out that a close relative is unwell and in a few years down the line (now sure how long this would be) I may be required to help look after them. Obviously this may or may not happen and alot of things could change between now and then but I was wondering what the deal is at NATS if I needed to request part time hours for a certain amount of time?

Obviously I know ATC involves shift work and thats fine but is is possible to work a reduced numbers of hours? I know that some of the "veterans" do this pre-retirement but about anyone else?

Sorry to ask such a random question but its just something that would give me peace of mind SHOULD the situation arise.

ANY advice/knowledge VERY much appreciated.

Thanks x

[Lock n' Load]

I know that some people job-share in NATS and I remember an instructor at CATC working a 4-day week, but I doubt they'd accept someone as a new-hire on such conditions to be honest. They couldn't organise a course at CATC for one person after all. If you've been offered the job already, it's unlikely you'll suffer for asking HR what the score is directly.

[booke23]

While you are training there is no way you could work part time, or have extended periods off.

But once you validate, there may well be an opportunity to go part time. If you can find someone who is willing to do the same, then you could job share.

However it should be remembered that if you have a near relative who is terminally ill (I sincerely hope this is not the case with you) I think NATS will grant paid leave for upto 6 months to enable you to nurse them..........but don't quote me on that. I'd have to look it up.

[vintage ATCO]

sparky321

Do a search for employment law, I believe there were some changes last year (or earlier?) with regard to part time working. AFAIK a company has to give 'serious consideration' to any request for part time working, perhaps for specified reasons. However, I also believe, at the end of the day, they can refuse if it is just too difficult. As others have said, job share may be the way to go.

But as booke23 says, it is a non-starter whilst you are training.

I hope everything works out for the best for you.

VA

[Uncle Buck]

As stated above, part time shouldn't be too hard to organise once you're valid.

A few people at MAN do it, one person who is, has only been valid about 4 months on just the one sector.

Sometimes best to keep these things quiet til you're out the college, never give too much away, thats my own personal slant on things anyway!

Good luck.

[250 kts]

You are kidding?? Part time and only single sector valid? Just what are the local management up to? At least get the person fully valid and useful so they can always be used right up to the end of the shift.:confused: :confused:

[Uncle Buck]

Please don't get me started, Mr Knots.

Everyone was amazed, its just Manchester through and through.

Personally I'd keep them til the end of shift just in case there was a spike in traffic.

No chance of getting trained on other sectors for aeons due to our present backlog. so single sector it will remain for the near future.

There is no rhyme or reason to any decisions made at this place.