more flexible working woes

[moobaa]

If you make a flexible working request is it reasonable for them to say - ok, until date x while we should be able to cover you. In the mean time we will see if we can find permanent cover. If x date comes around and no cover has been found you will have to come back full time?

What, if any, rights would I have if x date comes around and no attempt has been made to find cover?

Would I still be able to appeal the flexible working request decision? Would I have to go back full time as they have gone back on their promise to attempt to get cover?

Thanks for reading?

What sort of role do you do? Does it need cover to be part time. Some (e.g. teachers) obviously have to be covered. Others might be restructured to be part time.

The number of posts for people in my job has already been reduced due to cuts. There is ZERO slack in the service - indeed people are displaying signs of extensive work related stress (myself included which is part of the reason going back full time fills me with dread)

I am going to head to bed now to TRY to get a nights sleep- something that has not been going to well of late. But I will be checking back and I really hope there is some advice out there.

Thnaks again, and sorry for ranting.

They only have to consider your request not act on it so no they don't have to prove they tried to find anyone.

If it says at X date its not working you change back I'd think you'd have to change back. Depends on whats written in the update to your T&Cs.

I know they only have to consider it but if they turn you down you have a right of appeal? So I guess what I am really asking is - Have I shot myself in the foot by agreeing to a temporary arrangement on the understanting that they would try to make it more permanant? Will I still be able to appeal this far down the road?

Hi Moobaa, I think the flexible working legislation allows for a trial period if either you or (as in this case) your employer isn't sure if it's going to work permanently.

At the end of this trial period you have a review and if they then turn down your flexible working request then you have the right of appeal.

I'd try and get something in writing from them to say we're trialling this until x date while we try to find permanent cover, then will review it with a right of appeal.

Thanks

I think I would have a reasonable case at appeal if it got that far.

I am a reasonable person. I know if they try to find cover and cant I will have to do the full time thing. But I also know that finding cover in the current climate may not be the impossible task they are claiming. I know of at least 1 person in the office who have had their hours cut recently and although they do not do the same job I am sure some of the skills are transferable and the rest is teachable as I would still be doing the complicated stuff due to time constraints.