Home working request denied-advice as to what to do next?

[Loobyloo1902]

Looking for a bit of advice about which way to turn next....

I'm coming to the end of my maternity leave and proposing to return to work part time (four days a week rather than five) and working from home rather than in an office, visiting when requested (maybe once a month?). I put this in writing to my employer on an informal basis and she's now written back. The four days a week she agrees to but working from home is rejected. The reasons given don't fit in with the eight criteria that I am given to understand she can refuse a request on so what do I do next? Her reasons for rejection are frankly flimsy (IMHO)

My main reason for not wanting to work all of my hours in my old office is that it's a small company and two of my former colleagues bullied me horribly. They are married and I shared a room with them both, just us three. It was vicious, nasty and stressful. I complained and it was swept under the carpet until I left on maternity leave (clicking my heels and whistling a tune!). I really can't face doing that again, I was depressed and miserable.

So I'm looking for advice as to where to go to appeal-do I consult a solicitor or just drop the whole thing, piss off and plough my efforts into finding a new job not working with such (excuse my french) bum heads.

Firstly, have you put in a formal flexible working request? If not you need to do so, and your employer needs to then organise a meeting to discuss it.

The right to request flexible working is there to assist parents with child care responsibilities - not to address bullying issues. You need to use your grievance procedure for that - it sounds like you've been in a very difficult position.

Secondly, the fwr needs to outline how your proposal can be accommodated by the company and how it could benefit the company.

I think there are some jobs which simply don't suit home working - what is your job?

One you have formally submitted and had the fwr rejected, the next step is appeal. I wouldn't involve a solicitor until you've exhausted the process - although you could get some advice on whether you have a case, I wouldn't get them to represent you at this point.