Request for flexible working

[glastochick]

Question for the legal eagles here:

What would constitute an unjustified rejection of a request for flexible working?

My manager is calling me tomorrow afternoon to discuss the options I've informally put to them (I'm trying to keep them on side by discussing informally with a view to getting an agreement from them prior to putting my request through HR), and I've got myself worried that they're going to say no.

I work in a client service role. My concern is they'll say reduced hours won't provide continual coverage for the clients. Would this be a justified reason ie: place an undue burden on them?

Thanks x

There are 8 reasons your employer can use for refusal;

?burden of additional costs
?detrimental effect on ability to meet customer demand
?inability to reorganise work among existing staff
?inability to recruit additional staff
?detrimental impact on quality
?detrimental impact on performance
?insufficiency of work during the periods the employee proposes to work
?planned structural changes

So yes, if clients need attention full time and your proposal doesn't cover how that need can be met, they could use that. They have to explain which reason/s they are using and how they apply in your circumstances.

I've got a similar meeting coming up this week, sounds like we work in similar environments. How did you get on, Glastochick?