To put in a flexible working request because I live so far away?

You might think it doesn’t (and maybe technically shouldn’t) but of course it will!

If you put down it takes too long to get there they will likely think that’s your own fault for choosing to live so far away and have little empathy. Unless the companies moved why should they allow an exception? Why wouldn’t all the employees move to Cornwall and expect a London salary etc…

I would write down something like that I find it much easier to concentrate and work in a quieter environment. Or that saving on the commuting time allows me to have a much better life balance and has had huge boosts for my wellbeing. Or that wage increases haven’t kept up with the cost of living increases and I’m struggling to be able to afford my mortgage/rent and the train travel. Inflation was X, train tickets went up X, my mortgage/rent went up X but my salary only went up Y (at least you might get a pay rise)

Ignore the people who post and have no clue what they’re talking about.

Every worker in the UK has a legal right to request flexible working, for any reason or no reason at all. The reason doesn’t matter.

The employer has a limited time in which they just respond and they can only object for a handful of legitimate business reasons, which are listed in the legislation. Some of those can be broadly applied unfortunately so they can still turn people down fairly easily but they do have to actually show that they’re not talking bullshit and the reason is real.

There is legislation for flexible working requests.
1 - the reason for the request has fuck all to do with the decision. It can be for any reason at all and has no bearing on the decision.
2 - they can only refuse on specific business reason which are listed in the legislation.

If you don’t actually know what you’re talking about then don’t comment.

Why would you put a different reason? The reason has absolutely nothing to do with the decision. There are only a few specific business trains on which they can refuse. Nothing at all to do with the reason for the request.

It’s also not the employer’s fault if someone has children or elderly parents to care for, or a hobby they want to attend or anything else. That doesn’t matter.
She can put in the request. They have to follow the new legislation around deciding. There really isn’t any need for any snide comments on here.

Unless the office has moved I would put in a different reason on the request.

I would also speak to your manager about the cost increases and the fact you actually can’t afford to eat at times. It sounds like you need a pay rise!

Whats the companies official policy? Do they pull others up about not coming in?

As far as I know you have the right to request it for any reason or no stated reason but management have the right to decline the request.
You may mark yourself out as lacking commitment by making the request.
Could you try to work nearer to home.
I think you have to carefully consider the effect of making the request.
Each workplace has its own atmosphere and norms.
So you have to weigh up what will be of advantage to you overall.
All the best.

What’s your AIBU? It’s fairly simple. Anyone can request flexible working for any reason. They have to treat it the same as someone asking because of childcare or elderly parents or anything. Just put the request in. This really isn’t an AIBU.