[Solved] Asking for flexible working

Funnily enough I said to my Mrs that instead of being given 2 or 3 random days which fit in with her employer's rota, she can ask to have two or three specific days a week so we know which days she works.
Unfortunately the discussion didn't go any further than us bickering over it. My wife strongly thought that "... it isn't like that where i work..." because the have to cover all the days and hours with a team of staff for each shift. It didn't matter that I said that legislation says an employer must fully consider any request for flexible working.

ooh, ooh - can I choose which 24 hours I work, and which 7 days I work as a stay at home dad 😆

>It didn't matter that I said that legislation says an employer must fully consider any request for flexible working.

They have to "consider" - that's different from saying they have to actually do it, I believe.

Up until your child if 16 years old you have the right to request flexible working. The employer has a legal duty to consider seriously your request. They can reject a request on business grounds, such as the burden of additional costs on the business or effect on ability to meet customer demand - - but not on the basis of just saying "we don't do things like that here" . There is lots of advice about how to approach your employer on Directgov -- www.direct.gov.uk/dadsatwork

Hope that helps!

Hi all

As everyone has a legal right to request flexible working many companies will have formulated a policy for it. Speak to your HR dept who should be able to provide it for you.

At the company I work for everyone has the right to apply, the request then needs to be acknowledged and a meeting arranged within 28 days of receipt.
The application can then be accepted, rejected or an alternative agreed.
It would then be confirmed in a letter as a permenant change (be aware you may not be able to increase back if it proves unworkable)
It may be preferable to try this for a given period of time

As previously stated the company should only reject on sound business reasons such as:
 It creates extra costs
 It means we can’t serve the customers as well
 It won’t be possible to re-organise your work amongst other team members
 It’s not possible to recruit someone to work during the times you’ve asked not to work
 It means that quality and/or performance will drop
 There isn’t enough work during the times you’re asking to work
 There’s going to be a re-structure

However you should have a right to appeal against the decision

Hope this helps

Mario

I work for my local council, and my daughter has just started living with me, full time.

I set off at 7am and return at 5.30pm. The council are very flexible, I hope, never had any sick days off. My 12 year old daughter says she likes getting ready on her own 😉

But what should I choose to work? I work for the schools dept, at the moment. But how will it affect my salary if I work much fewer hours?

I would assume that your salary would be reduced pro-rata - after all, that's only fair on your employer. However, instead of reducing your hours, could you shuffle them around?

Just been in to see the boss today, he told me to put my wishes in writting and then they will see what they can do. I currently dont work the school holidays, that needs to stay the same; and maybe future hours 8am-4pm.

I know that when I was a child,myself and my brother got ready on our own when my elder sister left home, and we were 9 and 11.

Hi Cid

Remember that any change that is agreed under flexible working will result in a permanent change to your hours and you do not have an automatic right to change it back if you don't like it.

Also you are only allowed to make one flexible working request per 12 month period so please make sure you are happy with the change.

If you are not sure then agree to a trial period