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Original poster

Flexible working request

31 replies

FunViewer · 31/01/2025 12:15

I need some advice please.

I’ve been working through a FWR with my manager and since the first one I submitted they have pushed back saying they were not happy with the days I put in the request to have as days off. Since then I have changed the days I wanted as off to suit them but I am still receiving push back as I need to finish early on 2 of the days to pick up my children from school.

The request I submitted doesn’t stop me from being able to do my job but they have an issue with me finishing early 2 days due to childcare. They said that in my role I need to be flexible 7 days per week but I am contracted to work 5 days. I have been in my role for 4 years and I had a previous FWR approved and had been working this way for a long time with no complaints but since I got a new manager, they have said they are not happy with it hence the need to revisit my FRW.

I’m not sure what I can do as I feel like I have changed my pattern to suit them as much as I can but I feel like they are not being understanding as my reasoning to finishing early is due to childcare.

OP posts:
JoyousPinkPeer · 31/01/2025 18:22

You had a FWR approved and now they want to revisit it.

Once they've approved it they can't change it without your agreement.

Dont discuss your childcare with them - it's not relevant!

If you are not in a trade union, I suggest you join one.

PurpleThistle7 · 31/01/2025 18:23

I would check with Hr as I don't think they can just take away a FWA without a much better reason? We have to go through a whole process if we want to do this at my work.

Otherwise would just not working those days be an option? Work a different 4? You don't know what else is on the managers plate - maybe someone else is requesting something or there's a reasonable adjustment to be made or anything else really. It's a bigger picture with team based work.

Last option is to ask for a trial period so you can prove it's workable.

TY78910 · 31/01/2025 18:24

MinnieBalloon · 31/01/2025 18:09

Your personal reasons are irrelevant. The business doesn’t need to know them and won’t consider them when deciding whether or not to approve it.

Anyone has the right to request flexible working, so every reason is a valid reason to put in a request. Including if you just fancied taking your dog to roller disco.

It’s just as valid a reason, and just as irrelevant a reason, as your childcare issues.

Show quote history

That’s not entirely true. Many flexible working request forms ask to state the impact to the employee which is where you would talk about the reasons and how that would impact you. They used to be a section about the impact for the employer, which I believe has been recently removed, but in that section you will talk about how the new arrangements would impact your work as well as the operational side of the business.

And a business will consider reasons why somebody would like flexible working, as declining arrangements could lead to increased sick and dependent leave if the employee is not supported.

it’s also likely that requesting an adjustment “ just because I want to” is less likely to work than saying I have no other option.

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JoyousPinkPeer · 31/01/2025 18:26

FunViewer · 31/01/2025 12:51

Yes, I did have one which had been in place for 18 months but my new manager was not happy with it, So that’s why I had to submit a new one

Show quote history

No op, withdraw your request and go back to your agreed hours/days as agreed under your first FWR. They are trying to have you over.

Witchofthenorth · 31/01/2025 18:43

They cannot withdraw a FWR if it is agreed. It's contractual. Has your new agreement been noted and signed?

If not, refer back to the original agreement and stick with that. It doesn't matter if the new manager doesn't like it, they have to work with it.

Have you submitted a new one? If so...
Was it agreed with HR and hour contract amended?

Do not submit a new one if the old one still stands. You can only submit two a year so you may well end up stuck in a situation.

I think they are trying to pull one over on you.

JoyousPinkPeer · 31/01/2025 21:42

TY78910 · 31/01/2025 18:24

That’s not entirely true. Many flexible working request forms ask to state the impact to the employee which is where you would talk about the reasons and how that would impact you. They used to be a section about the impact for the employer, which I believe has been recently removed, but in that section you will talk about how the new arrangements would impact your work as well as the operational side of the business.

And a business will consider reasons why somebody would like flexible working, as declining arrangements could lead to increased sick and dependent leave if the employee is not supported.

it’s also likely that requesting an adjustment “ just because I want to” is less likely to work than saying I have no other option.

Show quote history

Your wrong TY78910, tgecreasons for requesting FW are not relevant. That's why they have to be considered in terms of earliest received.

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