Active discussions

Please or to access all these features

Talk
AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

Flexible working question - not obliged to answer?

161 replies

Difficile · 14/03/2025 11:17

I'm looking to apply for flexible working. I know my request will get refused before I've even asked because I've been told it will, but I'd like to put the request in anyway just in case.

One of the questions on the form asks about how my request will impact my work and colleagues. According to ACAS (and the law) it is no longer required to answer this question, so AIBU to write just that in the section?

Something like "I am not obligated to answer this by law", just short and to the point?

OP posts:
TakingBackSunday · 14/03/2025 11:36

Sorry my bloody phone is weird, I meant rejected.

Thats fair enough, do what you think is best. You don’t have to put it on but it might help if you do.

Comefromaway · 14/03/2025 11:36

Lots of things are not required by law. But how a request affects the business/colleagues etc is something the employer can consider when making a decision so by asking you that question they are giving the opportunity for you to state that you have thought about it and to explore potential solutions.

Original poster
Difficile · 14/03/2025 11:35

TakingBackSunday · 14/03/2025 11:28

Well if you know it’s going to be refunded? What’s the point in filling it out at all?

Sorry I’m just a bit confused really unless you think the form may persuade them otherwise then I would write as much detail as possible.

I don't want to have to leave if I don't have to, so it was a last effort to see if formally requesting would make a difference.

I don't think the form will persuade them at all and I don't need to stay in work if it's refused.

OP posts:
Original poster
Difficile · 14/03/2025 11:32

araiwa · 14/03/2025 11:24

I am not obligated to give you flexible work then

Well, you're just as obligated as before... Just by law I don't have to answer the question anymore. Kind of rude of you, glad I don't work for you.

OP posts:
longapple · 14/03/2025 11:31

What's the point putting it in if you're not going to bother trying to persuade them that it will work?

bigfatfeet · 14/03/2025 11:30

You aren’t obliged to answer it (I work in HR and we got caught out by this change last week) but I’d see it as an opportunity to think about any potential reasons they may have for rejecting your request and coming up with solutions to mitigate them.

ConnieSlow · 14/03/2025 11:30

Ph3 · 14/03/2025 11:25

I think you have more chances to get it if you give a thoughtful answer. As in think how it will impact them and explain how you plan to minimise it.

I would go would this. The other reply you are thinking of sounds so rude and would immediately get a no from me. Work with them.

Hankunamatata · 14/03/2025 11:28

Well would it impact your colleagues? Would it have no impact? Would it help with work load as providing early or late cover?

TakingBackSunday · 14/03/2025 11:28

Well if you know it’s going to be refunded? What’s the point in filling it out at all?

Sorry I’m just a bit confused really unless you think the form may persuade them otherwise then I would write as much detail as possible.

Ph3 · 14/03/2025 11:25

I think you have more chances to get it if you give a thoughtful answer. As in think how it will impact them and explain how you plan to minimise it.

araiwa · 14/03/2025 11:24

I am not obligated to give you flexible work then

Swipe left for the next trending thread