Flexible working request -aibu to request it in advance?

[Unhappygirl1]

I am on maternity leave. I asked on my previous maternity leave 6 years ago if I could go part time -drop a day. Was told no. Business grounds “need to be in every day” etc. All valid and they totally covered their arses.

They have recently granted someone that does the exact same job role as me (in a different team) a 4 day week. Although I’ve been told that doesn’t mean I’ll get it, they consider each request on a case by case basis.

I am returning to work late February and despite informally starting conversations in summer (meeting with my boss and requesting a day off, carefully listing my reasons), they are telling me they won’t be making a decision or holding any further discussions until nearer the time because they can’t predict sales and structure until the end of the financial year.

They now keep fobbing me off and don’t want to chat again until January or later.

I was originally keen to get this sorted ASAP as now I need to sort childcare for two kids! It’s really hard in this area to get childcare spaces. A nightmare in fact as it’s rural.

I don’t really know what my rights are here. I got a feeling they are going to say no aren’t they. Aibu to think they already know they are going to say no.

I don’t get it! If they think I’m shit, why have I had excellent appraisals for last 14 years? Yup... I’ve worked for this company that long and they still treat me like this!

There are legal guidelines on the timescales they have to respond to a formal request, 28 days I think.

When I receive flexible working requests I expect the requester to have thought about how the work that you won't be able to do would otherwise be handled. I don't tend to be keen on a reduction of 1 day as I can't fill that amount of hours with another part time member of staff.

Are you in a big team? Is there spare capacity in the tea,? If not then I might find it hard to grant your request too. But compacted hours 37.5 across 4 days instead of 5) or going to 3 or 2.5 days might suit better as it either covers all the hours or leaves an amount I could recruit for.

Good luck with your request