Any HR experts out there?

[LucyLu1981]

Does anyone know if there is a timescale that an employer has to respond to you by when you request flexible return to work hours? Basically for financial reasons I have to return to work full time after my 6mths mat leave I emailed the board of directors about 7 weeks ago to request that they consider allowing me to work 37 hours but over 4 days so I can have a day at home with DD. Trouble I have is that there was only one person above me in our office and he has left the company and not been replaced whilst i've been on mat leave so the only people I can speak to about my return to work is the faceless board of directors. I received an email back very promptly to say that they had received my email and would consider my request and get back to me as soon as possible. That was 7 weeks ago - I have sent a further 3 emails and left 2 vociemail messages and have had no response. So after that long ramble what i need to know is do they have a legal obligation to respond within a certain time? Also does anyone know on what grounds they can refuse my proposal? (because I think they will!) TIA

[Roskva]

Your employer must respond within 28 days - here's a link to the relevant page on the government advice website for employees here

They can refuse your request if there are gneuine business reasons that make it impossible. Some businesses will make a blanket assumption that they can't accommodate flexible working, so make sure they give you specific reasons why if they turn down your request.

[chocolatekimmy]

If you have made it clear that you are applying for this change under the flexible working regulations (you have to quote that in the letter) in order to care for your child then they have to arrange a meeting within 28 days then let you know the outcome within 14 days.

If you didn't apply properly with the specifics i would start again using one of the websites for sample letters. Always a good idea to consider realistically if your request would work (put yourself in their shoes).

Eight reasons they can turn you down but they have to be able to justify it

[LucyLu1981]

Thanks ladies - I did say it was to care for my child but didnt use exact phrasing think I will now send in the form on government website and see if that gets a response. Do you know what the 8 reasons are?

[chocolatekimmy]

Applications for flexible working arrangements can be refused only for the following reasons:

the burden of additional costs

detrimental effect on ability to meet customer demand

inability to reorganise work among existing staff

inability to recruit additional staff

detrimental impact on quality

detrimental impact on performance

insufficiency of work during the periods the employee proposes to work

planned structural changes

[RuthT]

Have you considered what you would accept as an alternative if they can't accomodate 5 days into 4?

[LucyLu1981]

Umm I guess the only alternatve is to go back 5 full days (which I really really don't want to do!) We just simply can't afford to lose any income (not in a we need the money for nice things way we need it to pay bills mtg etc). have tried to budget to see if we could afford me to go back 4 days but would save £140 on nursery fees and lose about £600 take home pay (I am main wage earner). I would prob ask to take only 20min break and go home 40mins earlier (surely they can't refuse that??)