Flexible working request - 31 days - no reply (Long)

[doughnutty]

I hope someone can help.

This might be long - sorry.

A couple of months ago I contacted my boss to talk about my return to work in October. During this meeting we agreed to me taking some holidays before I go back and discussed my role (staying the same but probably moving dept) and the hours/days I would work. Although this was essentially an unofficial meeting it was scribed and at one point the big boss came in and was very keen to show they were glad I was coming back and would try to accomodate as many of my requests as possible. So far so good. I left this meeting feeling very positive and valued.

Fast forward a couple of weeks. I'm due to go in for a meeting to find out what the outcome is. This meeting is essentially cancelled on the day due to HO visitors showing up unannounced. I go on holiday for a week and go into work to see my boss who tells me after a discussion with HR I will need to submit a FWR within the next 3 days. I do stating basically what was discussed at original meeting. I hand it to big boss and he signs it and gives me a receipt after telling me he knows nothing about it. Needless to say I no longer feel positive or valued. I knew I would have to put my request in writing but now I have to wait 28 days for an decision I thought had already been made.

I heard nothing so on the 28th day I visited work and by chance saw my boss. He informed me he was writing me a letter to invite me for another meeting next week but told me essentially what I was going to be offered.
I almost left the place in tears as I knew it was not great - barely any of my requests are going to be granted. After crunching some numbers my childcare costs are 3 times what I'd thought they would be. I have come up with an alternative which should cover the specific role they want me to cover but it means I will have to work 4 days instead of 3 and can no longer take advantage of the free childcare I had hoped to use.

Now its day 31 and I have received no invitation to meet and I am so angry that part of me wants to call them on not following their own rules.

What should I/could I/would you do?

[lal123]

Don't have any advice - but I feel your pain! I'm sue back in October too, put my reduced hours request in at beginning of August, had a meeting with boss to discuss it cancelled, then she was off ill. I texted her about it and have a sort of agreement i.e. "well, we'll plan for that just now", via text and nothing official in writing - not great when I'm coming back in 2 weeks.

Are you a member of a Union? If so might be worth contacting them

[maxpower]

I would begin by writing to them formally setting out what you've said & highlighting the fact that you're still weaiting for the meeting they've promised - good luck, sounds very stressful

[doughnutty]

Plan to email on Monday if I don't get a letter by then.

Not in a union but not sure if they could do anything anyway.

Really want to know if I have any come back about the fact that by not replying within 28 days they have by default agreed to my requests.

[doughnutty]

bump please

[flowerybeanbag]

Am in a rush but they haven't by default agreed to your request, no. They have to follow the procedure and if it's a no you can appeal it including as part of your appeal their failure to follow procedure.

You could even take failure to follow procedure to the Employment Tribunal but the tribunal would only make your employer hear it again this time following procedure.

Email on Monday to your boss copying in HR.

Sorry must dash

[doughnutty]

Thanks for advice. Didn't think that would be the case just wishful thinking. Annoyed that I could've had this all done and dusted 6 weeks ago. Really need to get nursery sorted and get my head round actually going back.