I put a request in for flexible working and was invited to a meeting to discuss.
When I got there it was clear it wasnt a discussion at all, it was just to tell me no to my face. I work ft atm and requested that I work three and a half days due to problems with getting childcare on these days. The half day has been granted as I used to work this before, but the other full day was point blank refused.
I guess tbf I did put a bit of a case in my request so they could say I said all that needs to be said to support it, but I am a bit disappointed that they had already made their minds up without listening to how I could make it work.
My managers reason for rejecting the day I requested was "it is my view that people need to be here every day". They said they could agree to me coming in for half of that day and would 'allow' me to book the other half off out of my holidays but as I pointed out that didnt solve my childcare problem.
I dont believe the correct procedure has been followed either, I wasnt informed I could have a colleague with me, they clearly had already made their mind up (as it was the first thing he said - we can agree to one part of your request but not the other) and I thought these meetings were to explore the possibility and listen to my views and they would then inform me of their decision. I even asked if we could do a trial period so I could prove I could make it work and they flatly refused.
I dont know what to do, do I have grounds to appeal on the basis that they had already made their minds up before I even got there for the meeting, and that my managers reasons for wanting people there every day are a bit flimsy to say the least?
TBH I have a number of issues with how I have been treated by this company while on maternity leave so as a side does anyone know if employment solicitors represent people on a no win no fee basis as I think this is where things might be heading 