Help!! Just had request for Flexible Work turned down

[ScandiFaery]

Hi all. As it says above I just had my FW request turned down.

My employer just gave a straight 'no' after saying they had looked at all possible solutions to grant my request. I know I can appeal within 14 days, but am not sure whether I can make an alternative suggestion thus accomodating some of the issues they had with my original request. Could anyone shed any light? Is this allowed?

I am majorly stressed out and am working on a very short time frame.

Background if interested: I am due to return to work after my second baby. After baby 1 I only returned for 8 months before going off for baby 2 (very very frowned upon by my workaholic female so far childless boss). I had masses of accrued holiday so managed to convince them in FW request 1 to allow me to work Mon-Thurs with every Friday off using up leave days. No one complained during the 8 months. Now in FW after baby no 2 I asked to drop to 80% but they will not let me 'due to detrimental affect on team, quality, bla, bla' and are citing current economic climate as reason. I would like to make a new suggestion saying I would work a long Monday and a shorter Friday.

Certainly you can suggest a compromise, yes. But their refusal sounds unreasonable on the face of it.

You had already had a FWR agreed whereby you worked 4 days a week (presumably successfully). The only change you are proposing to those terms is a reduction in pay for yourself. I'd probably be inclined to fight a bit harder before offering to compromise tbh.

I think Flowery is right. Are you a union member? Your union or the Equalities and Human Rights Commission may be able to give support and advice, icluding legal advice.