Flexible working question - not obliged to answer?

[Difficile]

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?

I am not obligated to give you flexible work then

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

I'm not obligated to think about that, it's up to my employer surely, hence the removal of the requirement in the laws relating to flexible work.

Couldn’t that be your chance to convince them?

Thing is, I could come up with loads of reasons and it'll still he rejected and seeing as I've been told it'll be refused I'm loathed to put in a huge amount of effort for nothing.

Regardless, your suggested answer to your employer was rude and unnecessarily confrontational, given you are asking them for something that they do not have to give - so the first response actually nailed exactly the reponse that the employer will think, even if they don't say it you.

On the other hand, if you can demonstrate how the request that you are making is considered, benefits the employer and your colleagues, and works for everyone, you are more likley to get a positive reponse. And if you don't want it to go straight in the bin, that would be the better approach.

Its just going to give them a reason to refuse it if you don't answer it or put a comment around you not having to by law.
If you haven't given reasons why it won't effect other colleagues, they will say it will and that it would effect the business so therefore reject your request.
Surely given reasons it won't will support your request

I think you are only allowed to request flexible working once per year (in my large company) so if you know it's going to refused maybe don't bother as something could change in the next 12 months a d a request might be granted then... But not if you've wasted a request.

But I'd answer the Q regardless if I were you

Agree with others, this is something you want and you are asking. Your employer is unlikely to know the complete detail of what you do on a hourly basis so why not make it easier for them to consider your application.

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

Ah - so you don't actually care at all. In which case I would suggest that the time would be better spent writing your notice.

You are absolutely correct op. I would ask your employer to update their application form as this question is no longer relevant.

They absolutely do as my manager and managers manager both did my job at one point. Plus the micromanaging is ridiculous, which is partly why they're refusing.

they're not going to make an exception if you don't make a case for it.

Either it's worth the effort, in which case complete the form as well as you can, showing them how it can and will work and that you are committed to making it work well, or it's not worth the effort and don't even bother doing the form.

I agree with this.

you could even go really overboard and ask them why they don't think it will work, so you could address those concerns directly in your answer.

I haven't actually put the request in yet.

Also, how is it rude or confrontational to state a fact - by law I do not have to answer the question.