I have no idea what to do. To be honest I'm feeling really invisible/undervalued at work so I don't know if that's clouding my feelings.
In brief...
Submitted a flexible working request 19th March.
Had an initial consultation meeting 10th April.
Heard nothing more.
Didn't chase - aware of the 2 month statutory deadline (confirmed by HR as 18th May) so assumed I would hear back by then, perfectly reasonable for them to use that time.
Didn't hear anything.
Checked policy, (updated by chance a few days before I put in my request), states request is active until 2-month deadline ends.
Emailed 22nd May to chase. Asked what the status was as policy reads that my request is no longer active if 2-month deadline passes.
Heard back same day, HR said it's with senior leaders and she would chase. Also sent me meeting notes if requested.
I was going to chase again tomorrow but had an email today asking for a month extension. Email confirms deadline was 18th May and requests monthly extension until 18th June.
Before I agreed, I questioned again whether request was still active and why they required an extension.
HR responded saying it was her fault she didn't request extension before deadline, it's normal for them to request a month's extension. Assured me request is still active and with senior leaders and she is chasing.
I feel like I have no option but to agree to an extension. Policy doesn't say what happens if deadline is missed other than request is no longer active. What should I do? I'm feeling quite upset and dismissed to be honest!
Large public organisation with around 1800 staff.
Thank you for any advice!