I have had a meeting with my firm today as I put a request in writing for flexible working hours to go part time.

They could not give me a definite answer at the meeting as to whether I would be able to go part time, they said they would let me know in 14 days time. They did say though that if they did say yes to me going back part time now they might change their mind nearer to the time I am due to go back to work (August) if the work situation gets worse (there has been a downturn in work) and so I could be made redundant nearer the time.

So basically they might accept my application to change my working hours to part time now, but nearer to August they will review it and may change their mind and then tell me I will be made redundant. So I will not really know what is happening until nearer July/August time.

I wondered whether anybody knew if they could do this? Also can I claim for unfair dismissal if they make me redundant when there are other people in my department who aren't being made redundant but have also had a down turn in work. Surely they have to consider everybody for redundancy? (I have been there longer than most of them and I am more qualified at my job.)