Anyone had trouble with flexible working requests

[FRED77]

Help!!!!!!!!

I used to work shifts before my baby was born - 2 weeks on days 2 weeks on nights for a very large company. I have requested that I go back full time days only, but have been told that they dont think they can accomodate my request and can only offer me my old job on shifts . They have lots of days only jobs in the company. I will still be breastfeeding morning and night (am currently still trying to cut out the day feeds aagh!!) and will have huge childcare issues let alone trying to look after a baby all day after a night shift.

Has anyone any tips or advice to help me fight this.

[flowerybeanbag]

Fred77 was it an official request you put in formally under the flexible working regs or just a conversation?

Here is some information about the official process, as you will see there are things you have to do but also a formal process your employer must follow, including giving you proper business reasons why your request can't be accommodated.

Have a read through this and have a think about whether a) you put in a formal request, if not you still can (and should) and b) if you did, whether your employer has done all they should.

There are some other links and lots of useful information there as well, post again if you want more help.

[FRED77]

Flowerybeanbag

Yes I have put in an official request using the web site that you kindly linked for me and have got to attend a meeting on Tue for them to explain why they cant accomodate it and what they are going to do. I just wanted to be prepared.

Thanks for your help

[flowerybeanbag]

no worries, do come back if the meeting doesn't go well and you need some more advice

[Elizabethsmummy]

Hi - I am quite a long way down the route with my employer. I initially made my request in April, had a meeting, it was turned down, I appealed, had a meeting, it was turned down, I put in a grievance, had a meeting, it was turned down, and now I am appealing... I have to jump through all of these hoops in the hope of taking them to Employment Tribunal. Sometimes I wonder whether the stress is actually worth it, but I'm lead to believe I have a good case, so I don't see why I should just resign, leave my career, my income, and pay back my maternity pay. Good luck with your meeting - I hope you have a better outcome.

[nailpolish]

i have gone back to work on nightshift only. 3 or 4 a week

i find nightshift easier with childcare

i had to find a new job though as my old employer was being very unhelpful

is there someone at work who would want to do nights only? if so you do the days and he/she does the nights? surely as long as shifts are covered your boss is happy?