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Dropping a day ?

10 replies

FippertyGibbett · 10/12/2020 11:07

Due to getting older and wanting to enjoy/exercise more, along with having increasingly dependent parents, I’d like to drop a day at work.
Is this an acceptable thing to ask, and if so, how would I word it ?
Is it best to ask my immediate manager in person and then a follow up email, or go straight to emailing all managers ?

OP posts:
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StephenBelafonte · 10/12/2020 11:09

Can they do without you for the fifth day?

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MadameBlobby · 10/12/2020 11:10

Locate your company’s flexible working policy and make a request under that.

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FippertyGibbett · 10/12/2020 11:11

I don’t know.
I was thinking of letting them know it’s what I want to do should they opportunity arise, I’m aware that it might not happen now.

OP posts:
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VanGoghsDog · 10/12/2020 11:13

You have a leg right to request this under Flexible Working legislation.

www.gov.uk/flexible-working

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VanGoghsDog · 10/12/2020 11:13

*legal, not leg!

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Namechange2020lalala · 10/12/2020 11:15

It's the best thing I ever did. What is your company's policies? It's often something related to work life balance.

I would emphasize your caring responsibilities (don't minimise). Say that to avoid burnout and to care for your parents you need to reduce your hours.

Will you condense your hours so working 5 days over 4? Another thing I've seen done is having a day off every 10th day (so basically 1 day a fortnight).

Your employer might ask for a business case or reassurance that your work can be covered by you or in other ways, so have a think.

Lastly, check on the legal status of your request, I'm not sure if caring for elderly relatives is given a legal backing for flexible working requests, but it's useful to know.

Good luck, also after tax you might notice your income doesn't drop all that much.

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VanGoghsDog · 10/12/2020 11:26

Lastly, check on the legal status of your request, I'm not sure if caring for elderly relatives is given a legal backing for flexible working requests, but it's useful to know.

Legally, you don't even need a reason.

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rookiemere · 10/12/2020 11:28

I've never increased from 4 days since DS was young and he's now 14, although from next year I'm increasing my hours over those days. It's wonderful having an extra day and I'd heartily recommend it.

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MadameBlobby · 10/12/2020 23:45

@rookiemere

I've never increased from 4 days since DS was young and he's now 14, although from next year I'm increasing my hours over those days. It's wonderful having an extra day and I'd heartily recommend it.

Yeah, I loved doing 4 days, did it from when my eldest was a baby, he’s now 14. Sadly redundancy and a furloughed husband have meant I have had to now go full time. Hey ho needs must, hopefully
I’ll be able to drop a day soon
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MadameBlobby · 10/12/2020 23:47

@VanGoghsDog

Lastly, check on the legal status of your request, I'm not sure if caring for elderly relatives is given a legal backing for flexible working requests, but it's useful to know.

Legally, you don't even need a reason.

This, the right has now been extended
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