Flexi request accepted but job not adhering to it

[Motherofflower]

At the end of my maternity leave last year, I put in a flexi request at my care job. Usually on an afternoon we have 2 members of staff to do the afternoon shifts. One carer starts at half 1 and the other starts at half 2.

Due to travelling and dropping off my child at nursery, when I put in my flexi request I put down I'd only be able to do the half 2 starts. The flexi request was accepted and there have been no issues so far.

However, this week due to situations happening, my work place no longer needs 2 carers on shift so I am lone working. So my senior messaged me and said I need to be in for work on one of my shifts next week at half 1. I said there is physically no way I can get there earlier due to travel time and dropping off my child at nursery. I've been told there is nothing she can do.

I then messaged my manager and told him the issue with the start of shift. He replied back he'd get some cover sorted for it. However, if it forces me to have to start at half 1, would it be going against my flexi request? AIBU in this situation? Do I need to speak to HR about this?

Given you've been told they will find cover, I would not contact HR just yet. Just turn up at 2.30pm unless you hear otherwise. You've made it clear you're not available to work earlier, just because they're saying there is "nothing they can do" doesn't mean it's your problem, it's theirs to sort.

Sounds like your manager is sorting it so I wouldn't do anything yet. If they come back and say you have to start at 1.30 I would just respond and say 'as per my flexible working agreement the earliest I can start is 2.30'
Then contact HR